Signed by Governor Bill Haslam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits camping on public property that is not designated for such use.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person from knowingly camping on state-owned property that is not designated for use as a camping area, a violation of which would be a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Defines “camping” as the erection or use of a temporary structure or shelter for “living accommodation activities” that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• Sleeping;
• Making preparations to sleep;
• Laying down bedding for sleeping purposes;
• Storing personal belongings;
• Making a fire;
• Digging or earth-breaking; and
• Cooking by fire or by heat-producing portable equipment.

• Authorizes the forfeiture and seizure of any items associated with illegal camping (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits camping on public property that is not designated for such use.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person from knowingly camping on state-owned property that is not designated for use as a camping area, a violation of which would be a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Defines “camping” as the erection or use of a temporary structure or shelter for “living accommodation activities” that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• Sleeping;
• Making preparations to sleep;
• Laying down bedding for sleeping purposes;
• Storing personal belongings;
• Making a fire;
• Digging or earth-breaking; and
• Cooking by fire or by heat-producing portable equipment.

• Authorizes the forfeiture and seizure of any items associated with illegal camping (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits camping on state property that is not designated for residential use.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the maintenance of living quarters on public property that is not designated for residential use (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits individuals who are assembling on public property from causing health hazards, safety threats, or challenges to the welfare of other people on that property (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes law enforcement to temporarily or permanently remove individuals from public property if they are in violation of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a violation of this bill is a Class C misdemeanor and that violators are liable for any damages or depletion of property value as a result of their use of the property (Sec. 1).  

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits camping on public property that is not designated for such use.