North Carolina homeless encampment bill advances with tougher drug penalties
by: Hojung Ryu
Posted: Jun 22, 2026 / 08:07 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 22, 2026 / 08:07 PM EDT
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We’ve previously reported on House Bill 781, which would allow local leaders to designate areas where the homeless population can live.
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A similar bill, House Bill 437, has gone through changes as it moved through the Senate. It includes additional language that would increase penalties for drug offenses committed in these designated areas, aiming to create a “drug-free homeless service zone.”
Homeless camps have appeared all across the Triad throughout the years, from Greensboro to Thomasville, Pfafftown and Winston-Salem. This proposed bill would allow local governments to designate zones where people experiencing homelessness can set up camp. Camping or sleeping in public places outside of these zones would be banned.
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Not everyone agrees with this proposed approach. Critics argue that these zones could push people out of sight without addressing the root cause of homelessness.
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https://myfox8.com/news/politics/nc/north-carolina-homeless-encampment-bill-advances-with-tougher-drug-penalties/