This bill mandates that municipalities must offer a nonmonetary penalty option for individuals who violate ordinances or bylaws prohibiting sleeping or camping outdoors, in place of a financial penalty. The proposed legal language amends RSA 31:39, III, to include that towns shall provide for a nonmonetary penalty, which may consist of options such as community service, enrollment in housing assistance programs, or verification of secured stable housing. The bill specifies that these nonmonetary penalties must be clearly stated in the ordinance or bylaw and require the individual to elect the penalty, particularly if multiple options are available.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph to RSA 47:17, which extends the same requirements for nonmonetary penalties to city councils. This ensures consistency across municipalities in handling violations related to outdoor sleeping or camping. The language emphasizes the need for clarity in the ordinance or bylaw and the requirement for individuals to choose their nonmonetary penalty, thereby promoting alternatives to financial penalties for those in need.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31:39, 47:17
As Amended by the House: 31:39, 47:17
HB1091 text: 31:39, 47:17