HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania lawmakers on Tuesday introduced companion bills designed to prevent municipalities from criminalizing homelessness unless adequate shelter is available.

The Shelter First Act comes months after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Grants Pass decision, which allowed local governments to impose penalties for sleeping outdoors — even when individuals have no other options.

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El said the ruling highlights a major gap between legal authority and compassion for vulnerable residents.

“It’s confusing to me with hundreds of years of jurisprudence between them finding either the legal acumen or the compassion to produce for our neighbors,” Smith-Wade-El said.

The proposed legislation would require municipalities to prove they have sufficient indoor s

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