Senate Bill No. 25RS-405, introduced by Senator Owen, seeks to establish a "Homelessness Court Program" in Louisiana aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. The program will provide access to essential resources such as mental health treatment, substance abuse rehabilitation, and job training, with the goals of reducing recidivism, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, and promoting accountability among participants. The bill mandates annual evaluations of the program's effectiveness to be submitted to the state supreme court. It also introduces a nonadversarial approach to justice, allowing defendants charged with certain offenses related to homelessness to participate in treatment programs while on supervised probation, with the potential for charges to be dismissed upon successful completion.

Additionally, the bill creates the crime of unauthorized camping on public property, establishing penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment for first-time and repeat offenders. Individuals charged under this provision may be eligible for the homelessness court program if they meet the necessary criteria. The legislation emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to address the needs of homeless individuals within the criminal justice system. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and includes amendments that refine the definition of "participant" and make technical adjustments.