In Fresno, one of California's toughest new camping bans comes into focus

"Since the Supreme Court empowered local governments to crack down on homeless encampments in June, at least 40 jurisdictions around California have enacted new laws or toughened existing ones, according to the National Homelessness Law Center."

"Advocates for homeless people say that Fresno's law is among the toughest in the state: banning camping, sitting or lying on public property anytime, anywhere."

"City officials say the law is crafted to incentivize people to choose rehab by offering substance abuse treatment in lieu of arrest for violating the law..."

"Only a subset of unhoused people in the area report being chronic substance users, according to data collected by the federal government."

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