JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) \u2014 The Jacksonville City Council took the next step Monday evening to prohibit public camping in the city.<\/p>\n
The city council passed the first reading of the proposed Public Camping Ordinance. Angela Salyer, city clerk, said a proposal must pass two readings before it becomes an ordinance. And, the council will discuss the proposal further, and likely make more amendments, before the second reading.<\/p>\n
Abandoned Jacksonville apartment building damaged by fire, to be torn down <\/a><\/p>\n The earliest date the second reading would take place would be at the Feb. 9 meeting, Salyer said. If it passes, then it will take effect immediately. But, Salyer added that there is a chance the council could take longer to amend the proposal and schedule the second reading for a later date.<\/p>\n If the ordinance passes, sleeping on a public sidewalk, alley, bench, park or any other publicly owned property would be prohibited. Those caught in violation of the ordinance could face fines. But, since the ordinance is still in a draft form, council members are still discussing exactly how much those fines would be.<\/p>\n The first reading passed with nine council members voting to approve it and one council member \u2014 Alderwoman Eren Williams \u2014 voting against it.<\/p>\n Across Central Illinois, other communities have had varying outcomes when a proposed Public Camping Ordinance makes its way to city council. In Danville, the city passed a proposal outlawing public camping\u00a0in June<\/a>. Champaign, on the other hand, unanimously shot down<\/a> an ordinance that would prohibit public camping in December.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n