GUEST COLUMN: State-proposed 'Right to Rest' law means 'right to camp' in public
By Welling ClarkDear law abiding citizen -
Colorado Representative Jovan Melton (D-Denver) has introduced the Right to Rest Bill for the 2019 Statehouse legislative session.
If passed, those that claim to be “homeless” (even those who are homeless by choice) will be afforded rights that will impact your life. Below is an excerpt of the bill that states
Welling Clark speaks at a meeting.
Westside Pioneer file photo
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House Bill 1096-01, Page 6, line 3-5: (7) "'PUBLIC SPACE' MEANS ANY OUTDOOR PROPERTY THAT IS OWNED OR LEASED BY A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OR ANY PROPERTY UPON WHICH THERE IS AN EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC USE."
Streets, alleys, and generally the land between the street and your sidewalk is an “easement.” Essentially, if this bill passes, RVs/campers/etc. will have the “right to camp” in front of your home/in your alley legally and you will not be able to legally do anything about it.
A link to the bill is at this link.
Suggested action to protect your rights and your neighborhood:
Contact (email and phone call) all state representatives in El Paso County and those on the state Transportation & Local Government Committee.
Ask them what their stance is on this bill.
Ask them to oppose it.
If you don't hear from them in three days, e-mail and call them again.
Keep doing so until they respond and agree to oppose this ill-conceived bill.
Post their responses on Facebook and Nextdoor.com to let the world know where they stand and if they are responsive to the citizens.
This photo was included in a 2015 staff presentation to City
Council regarding problems with people sitting or lying on sidewalks. The shot was taken at the
corner of North Tejon Street and East Pikes Peak Avenue. Council approved what is called the
Pedestrian Access Ordinance in January 2016; however, it would be superseded if the proposed
state "Right to Rest" law passes.
Courtesy of City of Colorado Springs
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Contact info for El Paso County state representatives:
Contact info for Transportation & Local Government members:
Spread the word to friends and neighbors.
Editor's note: Coordinator of the Avenue Task Force citizen group and past president of the Organization of Westside Neighbors, Welling Clark has been a Westside leader for more than 30 years. The text above is from an e-mail blast Clark sent out. It has been edited slightly for publication.
(Posted 1/29/19; Opinion: Guest Columns)
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