Emporia City Commissioners have enacted a new policy that will make “unlawful camping” in a public space a misdemeanor crime. The ordinance will establish a new city code prohibiting camping on public property without a permit. According to City Attorney Christina Montgomery, the city, in cooperation with the Emporia Police Department, will now begin developing the permit application process. Commissioners approved the ordinance 4-1 with commissioner Susan Brinkman serving as the lone no vote. During the meeting, Brinkman stated the ordinance was full of “sanitized language” and believes the ordinance directly targets the city’s homeless population.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
