House Bill No. 619, introduced by Representative Knox, seeks to regulate public camping in Louisiana by allowing local governing authorities to designate specific areas for public camping while prohibiting it in other public spaces. The bill defines "public camping" and sets conditions for its authorization, including the necessity of insufficient shelter beds for the homeless. Local authorities must notify the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) of any designations within 10 days and provide a 30-day notice before clearing existing encampments. The designated camping areas must not negatively impact nearby residential or commercial properties.

The legislation also mandates that if public camping is permitted, political subdivisions must uphold minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and access to health services, including mental health and substance abuse resources. It establishes the Encampment Mitigation Reimbursement Fund to assist local authorities in meeting these regulations and allows civil actions against them for non-compliance. LDH is responsible for overseeing these standards, conducting inspections, and recommending closures if health standards are not met. The law will take effect on June 1, 2026, and will be inoperative after June 1, 2029.