People who do not comply with a move-on order could face a fine of up to $2000 or a prison sentence of up to three months.
Public health experts say the proposed move-on orders will "criminalise homelessness" among some of Aotearoa's most vulnerable young people, including children as young as 14.
In a new briefing released by the Public Health Communication Centre, public health and housing researchers argue the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill would create "a new pathway into the criminal justice system" for rangatahi who are sleeping rough because they have nowhere else to go.
"The proposal would create a new pathway into the criminal justice system for young people whose presence on the street is typically the result of factors beyond their control, including unsafe home environments, poverty, family relationship breakdown, unemployment and limited support for those leaving state care," the briefing said.
The Bill, currently before Parliament's Justice Select Committee, would allow police to issue move-on orders to people who are rough sleeping, begging, obstructing entrances to businesses, or displaying behaviour indicating an intention to inhabit a public place.
