Louisiana law sets rules for homelessness courts and public camping

District courts may create Homelessness Court programs and probation programs that connect eligible defendants with treatment and other support. The program is for people experiencing homelessness who face a state misdemeanor or felony charge and meet the program’s eligibility rules. A defendant must request treatment and be accepted; the judge makes the final eligibility decision. Taking part requires a guilty plea and waiver of the right to trial. Participants may have to pay treatment and supervision costs based on their resources, but the court may waive fees. Successful completion may lead to dismissal of charges or a conviction being set aside, or release from supervision. Failure to complete the program can lead to sanctions or a sentence. Accepted participants must be supervised for at least 12 months.

The law makes intentional overnight use of a tent, shelter, or bedding on public property outside a designated campground a crime. The offense covers intentional overnight use of a tent, shelter, or bedding on state or local public property that is not a designated campground. A violation carries a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. An offender may qualify for a Homelessness Court or Veterans Court program only if one is available in the area and the offender meets that program’s requirements. This offense took effect when the governor signed the law on June 9, 2026.

Local governments may not regularly allow public camping on public property, but may designate a site for one year if the law’s conditions are met. The rules cover regular public camping on public property, including public buildings, their grounds, and public rights-of-way. Exceptions include lawful overnight use of certain vehicles and camping in approved recreational areas during permitted hours. A local governing body must approve a site by majority vote, and there must not be enough open shelter beds for the local homeless population. The site must not border property designated for housing and must not materially harm nearby property values or safety, including children’s safety. The local government must notify the state health department and maintain safety, sanitation, and service standards at the site. These rules take effect January 1, 2027. A local government may renew a site designation each year.

The state health department may set minimum standards for shelters and other housing options, while the state fire marshal must inspect them. The standards and inspections cover emergency shelters, community facilities, licensed group homes, and halfway houses. The health department must consult the state fire marshal when considering standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. The department may seek federal waivers to obtain funding for health care and housing services for people experiencing homelessness who have illnesses. These provisions take effect January 1, 2027.