OMAHA, Neb. —

Omaha City Councilmember Brinker Harding says he introduced an ordinance on homeless encampments because it seems more and more are popping up.

"I wanted to make sure that we are taking steps to make sure that the problem isn't a growing problem," Harding told KETV.

As it stands now, the ordinance he proposed would ban camping on public property and penalize it with a fine of up to $300, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

"I'm open to listening to ideas that will make it a stronger ordinance," Harding said, "because what I’m trying to do is get a win-win for both those in the situation (encampments) and the general public. Because it is a public safety issue and it's a public health issue."

Harding said he pushed the hearing for the ordinance back to allow feedback to com

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