Proposed Bill Creates Homeless Bill Of Rights
DENVER (CBS4)- A bill proposed at the state Capitol would create a homeless bill of rights in Colorado.
"It's just about treating people with basic human dignity," said the bill's sponsor Rep. Joe Salazar, a Democrat representing Thornton.
The "Colorado Right to Rest Act" would give the homeless the right to move freely and rest in public spaces, the right to privacy on their property and the right to sue for damages if they are discriminated against.
Erin Pearce is among those the bill is designed to help. Pearce has been homeless on and off for nine years.
"It's very hard, very, very hard. You can't get things you need unless you make sure you can by flying a sign, it takes many hours to make $30," said Pearce.
Pearce said she has been arrested for panhandling, had her belongings stolen and often is made to feel like a criminal.
"The way people look at you is like, 'Why is that person flying a sign saying she's homeless and needs food and money' and I have to smile and be polite and I got people locking their doors," said Pearce.
Salazar said the measure is aimed at protecting basic rights of the homeless by voiding local ordinances that criminalize things like camping and panhandling.
"This is a blatant attack on Denver's home rule authority which we cherish in this state," said Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown.
Brown said the City of Denver spends $1 million a month on the homeless but allowing them to sleep on city sidewalks hurts business and tourism.
"We do have a heart, this is not vindictive toward homeless people," said Brown.
Pearce isn't sure whether the bill will help her but she believes it can't hurt, "It's not fun being homeless."
In addition to Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs have all passed ordinances limiting camping and/or panhandling.
The Denver ordinance has been enforced five times in the last two years. Oregon is the first state to pass a bill of rights for the homeless and California is also considering one.
