Madison does not enforce a blanket sit-lie ban, but MGO Sec. 10.056 prohibits obstructing sidewalks and public rights-of-way. Officers issue warnings before citations, consistent with Common Council direction to limit criminalization of homelessness.
Madison declined to adopt a Seattle-style sit-lie ordinance. Instead, Sec. 10.056 of the General Ordinances prohibits obstructing pedestrian travel on sidewalks, and Sec. 24.04 limits encampments on park land. Common Council policy directs Madison Police to use a step-up approach, issuing warnings, offering shelter referrals, and reserving citations for clear obstruction or repeated refusal. Outreach is coordinated with Porchlight, The Beacon day resource center, and Dane County's Continuum of Care. The City Attorney has cautioned that enforcement must comply with the Eighth Amendment standards articulated in Martin v. Boise (9th Cir. 2018) and Johnson v. Grants Pass (S. Ct. 2024).
Sidewalk obstruction citations are forfeitures under MGO Sec. 1.08, with referrals to outreach services preferred over arrest.
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