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MississippiHB 12032025 Regular SessionHouse

Camping; prohibit on public property.

Sponsored By: Shanda Yates (Independent)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary AJudiciary, Division B

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New limits on camping in public

Beginning July 1, 2025, Mississippi bans camping on public property unless state law or the responsible government allows it. This includes sidewalks, streets, sports fields, roads, parking lots, and other government-owned or controlled land. People may occupy campsites or place and store camping materials only where authorized. Camping includes placing tents, blankets, chairs, or other belongings used as camp accommodations; no 24-hour stay is required. Police may remove violators immediately, and private-property owners keep their existing removal rights. Under the law, relocating means moving the person and belongings off the property or to an authorized location for at least 24 hours; moving within the same property does not count.

Public campers face removal and penalties

Beginning July 1, 2025, authorities may remove public camps and belongings, generally after giving 24 hours' oral or written notice. Notice may be posted prominently at the campsite, and belongings left after the deadline may be discarded. Items with no apparent use or value, or items in unsanitary condition, may be discarded immediately. Police may keep weapons, drug paraphernalia, suspected stolen items, and crime evidence. When possible, removed people should receive information about health care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or housing resources. A camping conviction carries a fine of up to $50. Courts may impose alternative penalties aimed at the reasons for the violation, including up to six months in jail. Jail requires space in an appropriate facility and substantial and compelling reasons. Judges must consider immediate removal of belongings and litter after notice of the violation. They must also consider meaningful engagement with private resources or service providers after citation and before the hearing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shanda Yates

    Independent • House

Cosponsors

  • Kevin Felsher

    Republican • House

  • Jill Ford

    Republican • House

  • Stephanie Foster

    Democratic • House

  • Jeff Hale

    Republican • House

  • Clay Mansell

    Republican • House

  • Jonathan McMillan

    Republican • House

  • Gene Newman

    Republican • House

  • Fred Shanks

    Republican • House

  • Lance Varner

    Republican • House

  • Price Wallace

    Republican • House

  • Henry Zuber III

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 215 • No: 92

House vote • 4/1/2025

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 73 • No: 35 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 36 • No: 12

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Passed As Amended

Yes: 34 • No: 11

House vote • 2/5/2025

Passed

Yes: 72 • No: 34 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/17/2025legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/7/2025House

  4. Motion to Reconsider Tabled

    4/2/2025House

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    4/1/2025Senate

  6. Motion to Reconsider Entered (Yates, Hood)

    4/1/2025House

  7. Conference Report Adopted

    4/1/2025House

  8. Conference Report Filed

    3/31/2025House

  9. Conference Report Filed

    3/31/2025Senate

  10. Conferees Named Fillingane,Sparks,McMahan

    3/20/2025Senate

  11. Conferees Named Hood,Yates,Boyd (37th)

    3/19/2025House

  12. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/19/2025House

  13. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2025Senate

  14. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2025Senate

  15. Amended

    3/12/2025Senate

  16. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/4/2025Senate

  17. Referred To Judiciary, Division B

    2/14/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted To Senate

    2/6/2025House

  19. Passed

    2/5/2025House

  20. Amendment Tabled

    2/5/2025House

  21. Tabled Failed

    2/5/2025House

  22. Title Suff Do Pass

    1/28/2025House

  23. Referred To Judiciary A

    1/20/2025House

Bill Text

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