Tennessee HB 1320 (2022) criminalizes camping on public property as a Class E felony statewide, with reduced misdemeanor penalties for some local property. Knoxville coordinates outreach before any enforcement and follows state procedure.
Tennessee HB 1320 (signed 2022) made camping on state-owned public property a Class E felony and camping on local government property a Class C misdemeanor on first offense, escalating with repeated violations. The state law applies in Knoxville and overrides any conflicting local sanctuary policy. Knoxville Office on Homelessness coordinates with Knox County Coalition for the Homeless and outreach providers to connect individuals to shelter, mental health services, and substance use treatment before law enforcement engages. Encampment cleanups follow notice procedures and personal property storage protocols.
Camping on state property is a Class E felony in Tennessee. Local property camping starts as Class C misdemeanor. Refusal to comply during cleanup can add obstruction charges.
Knoxville, TN
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Knoxville, TN
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