CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A member of the House of Delegates hopes to deal with a local issue on a statewide basis.
Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, is the lead sponsor a bill that would ban camping in municipal areas.
HB 2382 would make camping on municipal property a misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100, 30 days in jail, and the offender could be financially responsible for the removal.
During his 2024 re-election campaign Chiarelli said he wanted to focus on quality of life issues.
“I really want to focus on the quality of life in Morgantown. I truly want to make this a better place to live for everybody: cleaner streets, safer communities, a better Morgantown. That’s been my message, and I stuck to it,” Chiarelli told WAJR.
Each day the violation continues is considered a separate offense, and a third conviction within 12 months of the first could result in a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
There is no criminal sanction if the person is offered and accepts shelter in the community.
The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.