Omaha City Council Rejects Ordinance Criminalizing Homelessness

LINCOLN, Neb. — Today, the Omaha City Council voted to reject a proposed ordinance that would penalize people experiencing homelessness with up to 30 days in jail and a $300 fine.

Councilman Brinker Harding introduced the ordinance in August and moved to replace it with an amended proposal after hearing more than three hours of testimony on his proposal, including comments in opposition from local shelters and people who have faced homelessness.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska testified in opposition of the proposal and later shared concerns about the proposed amendment with council members, raising potential issues with an envisioned diversion program and explaining how existing criminal penalties could lead to stacking of charges.

ACLU of Nebraska supporters sent hundreds of emails to the Omaha City Council leading up to the vote.

A day ahead of the vote, Omaha Mayor John Ewing pledged to veto the ordinance if the city council passed it.

Joy Kathurima, policy counsel at the ACLU of Nebraska, said:

“Omahans, like people across our state, want to see officials focused on workable solutions, not making life harder for people who are already struggling. Laws that make it a crime to be homeless waste money, make communities less safe and make it harder to solve homelessness. We appreciate city leaders recognizing the issues here, and rejecting this ordinance. We hope to see this vote followed by actions and investments to ensure more access to safe, affordable housing.”