Hearings in Hartford chaired by State Rep. Antonio Felipe, of Bridgeport, on Thursday focused on House Bill 7033, which aims to protect people who are unhoused from being punished for sleeping outside.

Mayor Joe Ganim supports the bill.

"We want to make sure our unhoused neighbors are not being fined or punished in any way for dwelling outdoors," Ganim said.

"Any of us, God forbid, could be in that same situation for reasons totally beyond our control. At this time in our nation's history, when people's rights are eroding due to the insensitivity of some, we want to champion our unhoused neighbors and make sure they're protected," Ganim said.

Some who oppose the bill say it would make it hard for cities and towns to keep public places safe and clean and usable for everyone.

The bill would prohibit municipalities from punishing people for conducting "life-sustaining activities," such as eating, sleeping and storing belongings in public areas.