Natchez, MS – The City of Natchez has announced that it has begun efforts to ensure compliance with House Bill 1203, recently passed legislation that requires municipalities to take action to prevent and remove homeless encampments on public land.
Effective August 1st – The Natchez Police department will begin posting signs at known homeless encampments to alert those taking up residence that they are not permitted to remain on city property, giving 24 hours notice to vacate.
Mississippi House Bill 1203, passed on April 17th, 2025, is summarized as:An Act To Prohibit Camping On Certain Public Property; To Provide Definitions For This Act; To Provide That No Person May Occupy A Campsite Inconsistent With The Regulations Of This Act Unless Specifically Authorized By The Applicable Governing Authority On Which The Campsite Is Located; To Provide Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Authorize The Court To Mitigate Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Amend Section 97-35-25, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Sections; And For Related Purposes.
It is the goal of The City of Natchez to comply with this newly enacted state legislation, and to be responsible custodians of city-owned property, ensuring the continued safety and cleanliness of public city land.
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