City Councilmembers in Auburn, Washington, have adopted an ordinance that would allow police to issue criminal trespass citations and impose fines on homeless people who repeatedly refuse offers of shelter or services.
KOMO reports the measure was approved by a 4-3 Monday vote as some council members insisted that threats of incarceration would not help those experiencing homelessness.
Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus said the intent of the ordinance was not to jail offenders or saddle them with fines they cannot pay but to give them the impetus to find lodging.
“For some people this might be the incentive that they need,” she said. ”
Under the city’s plan, offenders would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail sentence of up to 90 days. An exception would be if there is no available shelter or if the person is engaging with the city or is in the process of accepting a referral for treatment services or housing.
Backus said the cases would be sent to Auburn’s new community court, which begins in late May. If offenders follow the court’s orders, there would be not jail time or fines, Backus said.
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