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 focuses on providing access to treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues, thereby reducing their interaction with the criminal justice system. Key goals include reducing recidivism, offering job training and housing assistance, and enhancing accountability among participants. The bill mandates annual evaluations of the program's effectiveness, which will be reported to the state supreme court. It also emphasizes a nonadversarial approach, ensuring defendants have legal representation and outlining the responsibilities of the court and treatment programs.

The legislation introduces the crime of unauthorized camping on public property, establishing penalties for violations, with first-time offenders facing fines or imprisonment and repeat offenders facing harsher consequences. Importantly, individuals charged with this offense may be eligible for the homelessness court program if available in their jurisdiction. The bill requires defendants to enter a guilty plea to qualify for the program, which allows for deferred or suspended sentences with conditions of supervised probation. Successful completion of the program can lead to the dismissal of charges, and the bill mandates that each judicial district create written policies for implementation. The proposed legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.