Is Governor Ron DeSantis homelessness bill a good or bad policy?

[AgnosticBoy]

Here's some good reading from the Washington Post:

People experiencing homelessness in Florida will be banned from sleeping overnight on streets, on sidewalks and in parks under a law signed this week by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), which he characterized as a “law-and-order” step that would help unhoused people but that some homelessness advocates warned would be ineffective.

The governor’s office said the bill, which DeSantis signed Wednesday, would give homeless people resources to “get back on their feet” while aiming to increase public safety.

Under the law, people won’t be able to camp in public spaces with tents, temporary shelters or bedding. Localities will be tasked with enforcing the law and subject to state scrutiny.

The law creates a mechanism for counties to designate areas as temporary campsites for up to one year. DeSantis’s office said homeless people would be “placed in temporary shelters monitored by law enforcement agencies.”

The designated campsites are required under the bill to provide resources for substance abuse and mental health treatment, and maintain restrooms and running water. People living at such a site would be prohibited from using drugs or alcohol.

From 2022 to 2023, the number of unsheltered people increased in Florida, partly driven by the expiration of pandemic-related funding, the impact of Hurricane Ian, rising housing costs, immigration and other factors, according to the HUD assessment.

The law takes effect October 1.

Your thoughts. Is this good or bad policy? Is this harmful to the homeless community? I'm thinking of security issues, especially when homeless kids being involved.


Extra:
“With a challenge as complex as chronic homelessness, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of comfortable inaction,” Rep. Sam Garrison (R) said in the governor’s office’s statement. “This bill will not eliminate homelessness. But it is a start. And it states clearly that in Florida, our public spaces are worth fighting for.”