LINCOLN —A proposal to ban unauthorized public camping statewide sparked hours of debate at the Nebraska Capitol, with much of the focus on Omaha’s homelessness challenges. LB 925, introduced by Sen. Bob Andersen, would make public camping a misdemeanor, require first-time offenders to go to shelters and penalize cities that fail to enforce the law. Supporters said the bill would improve safety and push people toward services.
Opponents, including Omaha officials and shelter providers, argued the measure would undermine the city’s encampment outreach pilot and criminalize people who have nowhere else to go. Service agencies testified that shelters are already full, and several formerly homeless Nebraskans warned that citations would only deepen the cycle of poverty. The Judiciary Committee took no immediate action.
LB 925, introduced by Sen. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, would adopt the Safe Parks and Public Spaces Act, classifying unauthorized public camping as a misdemeanor. First-time offenders would be directed to the nearest shelter and face prosecution on subsequent offenses.