The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5260 aims to prohibit municipalities from imposing penalties on homeless individuals for engaging in certain activities of daily living in public places. Effective October 1, 2026, the bill defines key terms such as "homeless person," "motor vehicle," "public place," and "recreational vehicle," and establishes that no municipality can enact ordinances that restrict a homeless person's ability to use public spaces similarly to other individuals. Specifically, the bill allows homeless individuals to occupy or sleep in legally parked vehicles, access hygiene facilities, and perform essential activities such as eating, resting, and seeking medical care in public areas.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that municipalities retain the authority to enact ordinances that address activities posing a threat to public health, welfare, or safety. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that homeless individuals are treated with dignity and have the right to perform basic daily activities without fear of penalties from local governments. The bill introduces new legal language while deleting any conflicting provisions in existing law.