Morgantown camping ban leads to 35 warnings, nine citations in first year

In Morgantown, West Virginia, the first year of Article 1157, a ban on camping on public property, resulted in 35 warnings and nine citations. Eight second-offense citations carry fines up to $200, and one third-offense citation up to $500 or 30 days in jail, though no criminal penalties were imposed. The law, passed in July 2024 after contentious debates and a 4-3 council split, requires offering alternative shelter before issuing a citation. Mayor Danielle Trumble, who opposed the ban, questions its impact, noting shelters are full, but no repeal plans are imminent.