Illinois Bill Aims to Limit Clearing of Homeless Camps

Proposed legislation would restrict local laws that penalize people experiencing homelessness on public property.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A peaceful, cinematic painting of an empty park bench in a public space, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of solitude and the need for shelter.A serene public space becomes a temporary refuge for those without a permanent home, highlighting the complex challenges facing communities.Peoria Today

Illinois lawmakers are advancing a bill that would limit when local governments can clear homeless encampments from parks and other public property. The measure would require three days' notice before removing people from public spaces, except in certain circumstances, and restrict local laws that fine or criminally penalize those experiencing homelessness while on public property with nowhere else to go.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at pushing communities toward outreach and services instead of punishment for those without stable housing. However, the Illinois Municipal League opposes the bill, arguing it shifts the balance away from local control and makes it harder for cities to manage public spaces.

The details

House Bill 1429 would restrict local laws that fine or criminally penalize people experiencing homelessness while they are on public property doing basic survival activities with nowhere else to go. The measure would also require local governments to give three days' notice before removing people from public spaces, except in certain circumstances.

  • The Illinois House Housing Committee approved the measure on an 11-to-4 vote on Wednesday, sending it forward for more debate in Springfield.
  • If the bill passes through the House and Senate and is signed into law, home-rule authority regarding homeless encampments would be restricted statewide.

The players

Kshe Bernard

Co-founder of LULA, a homeless advocacy organization, who said the goal is to provide privacy and dignity for those forced to sleep outside.

Tim Riggenbach

Peoria City Council member who acknowledged that having encampments is not the solution to homelessness.

Illinois Municipal League

An organization that opposed the bill, arguing it shifts the balance away from local control and makes it harder for cities to manage public spaces.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our people by and large don't sleep in camps because, much like we don't want to be bothered while we're sleeeping, while we want some sort of modecum of privacy, so do our people that are forced to sleep outside, and if they are utilizing a park, it's simply because there's literally nowhere else for them to go.”

— Kshe Bernard, Co-founder, LULA

“I don't think anybody thinks that having an encampment, having our fellow man sleeping in tents is the solution and the end all to the problem.”

— Tim Riggenbach, Peoria City Council member

What’s next

The bill will now move forward for further debate and consideration in the Illinois legislature.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tension between providing support and services for the homeless population and maintaining public spaces for all. While the bill aims to protect the rights of those without stable housing, it faces opposition from local governments who argue it limits their ability to manage public areas effectively.