Oklahoma Town Plans to Ticket Homeless People

A board of city commissioners in an Oklahoman city has approved an ordinance that would ticket and fine people who are experiencing homelessness in its jurisdiction.

The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners voted 6-1 on Monday to prohibit anyone from sleeping outside, lying down, sitting down, or placing items in the right-of-way in Shawnee’s downtown area.

The ordinance, called “Sit/Lie” by some, efforts to make the city safer for both residents and visitors, the city says. Critics are concerned it may be criminalizing homelessness.

Under the new rule, a person will only be fined after they have already been notified by law enforcement that their conduct violates the city’s ordinance.

That person would have to be caught sleeping outdoors or sitting or lying down in an area that obstructs others, like a sidewalk in front of a business, or placing items someplace that similarly obstructs others.

Shawnee Mayor Ed Bold said during the Monday meeting that violators of the new ordinance who can’t afford to pay the fine could possibly be ordered to perform community service instead.

The ordinance takes effect on January 15 of next year. Shawnee City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Behringher told The Oklahoman that the fine is only $10, as the goal is “not to criminalize homelessness.”

The new rules do not apply to those sitting in chairs or benches that are provided either by nearby private property owners or by a public agency like the city itself. 

Also, those participating in or viewing an event such as a parade, festival, rally, or other similar events are exempt from the rule along with those standing in line for a private business. Those having medical emergencies are also exempt from the new rule.

During Monday’s meeting, city leaders also acknowledged that their city’s issues with homelessness are going to be better solved in the long term by eventually providing an emergency homeless shelter.