Despite local concerns, homeless camp bill heads to Gov. Josh Stein

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A controversial bill requiring local governments to regulate and police homeless camps is now heading to Governor Josh Stein’s desk for his signature.

Wilmington City Council members discussed House Bill 437 at a meeting last month.

The bill would force municipalities to ban homeless camping on public spaces and designate a specific property to allow camping for no longer than a year.

During the meeting on June 16, Mayor Bill Saffo said he was concerned the city would be on the hook for security, maintenance and enforcement.

“This is a pretty devastating bill to municipalities throughout this state,” Saffo said. “And I know a lot of them are making resolutions to oppose it. This came out of nowhere, but it’s moving fast and we just would like to have this stopped.”

It appears the mayor won’t get his wish. House Bill 437 passed with a vote of 73 to 40.

The measure doesn’t contain any state money for localities to pay for the camps.

The city presently enforces an ordinance that prohibits camping or sleeping on city-owned property from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

On Thursday, a spokesman for the City of Wilmington issued a statement that said, “Once any legislation is finalized, the city will review the legislation, the local ramifications, and the options moving forward. The City of Wilmington does and will continue to comply with all NC laws.”