Senate Study Bill 1195 and House Study Bill 286 propose to criminalize homelessness statewide, putting Iowans at risk
House and Senate subcommittees are scheduled on BOTH bills TOMORROW, Wednesday, MARCH 5. Urge your legislators to oppose these bills
SSB1195 and HSB286 will divert resources from proven solutions to homelessness, focusing attention on creating designated encampments that increase the risk unhoused Iowans will be stuck in a cycle between prison and living unsheltered.
This legislation, as written, creates a mandate for local governments to designate encampments while providing no funding to do so. That would be costly and could drive up property taxes. It also imposes a statewide camping ban intended to force people into the designated encampments with penalties up to misdemeanor charges.
The legislation creates enhanced drug crime penalties for activities that are already illegal. It labels all areas where unhoused people receive services as Drug Free Homeless Service Zones, stigmatizing those who need help while imposing super-charged penalties on program participants as well as homeless programs and staff themselves if violations occur.
Finally, the bill creates new reporting requirements that duplicate existing practices for many organizations, while discouraging faith-based groups, community organizations, and smaller groups from serving unhoused people.
Iowa must not create a revolving door between prison and the street for people who need housing. Arresting and jailing homeless people under laws that criminalize homelessness often cost 2-3 times the cost of housing and services according to the Seattle University School of Law and several studies.
BOTH House and Senate subcommittees are scheduled for TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 5. By introducing bills in both chambers simultaneously, the out-of-state think tank sponsoring this bill is able to fast track this legislation through public hearings during a blizzard. See the information below to learn how you can leave a comment opposing SSB1195 and HSB286, attend the hearings online, or send subcommittee members an e-mail opposing these bills.
The subcommittee for SSB1195 is Wednesday (3/5) at 12:30 p.m. in the Senate Lounge.
Please Contact Subcommittee Members with your Concerns
Cherielynn Westrich (R, District 13)
Dave Sires (R, District 38)
Janice Weiner (D, District 45)
Join the SSB1195 subcommittee Zoom - Meeting ID: 853 2583 7624, Passcode: 891284
The subcommittee for HSB286 is Wednesday (3/5) at 4:30 p.m. in ROOM 19.
Please Contact Subcommittee Members with your Concerns
· Steven C. Holt (R, District 12)
· Lindsay James (D, District 71)
· Judd Lawler (R, District 91)
Join the HSB286 subcommittee online - Online
Join By Phone: 14084189388, Access Code: 24850229036