Council moves to ban transients from being dropped off in Joplin

The Joplin City Council is moving forward with a plan that would hold other jurisdictions or organizations responsible for sending transients into the city of Joplin.

Council Bill No. 2025-012 passed unanimously, on first reading, Monday night.

It would impose a penalty for any individual, entity, or agent that causes the unsanctioned displacement of a transient individual within the City of Joplin, with specific language describing the prohibition, definitions, and including a number of legitimate exceptions.

The city says over the last few years, they have had several instances of the prohibited conduct addressed within the proposed ordinance.

“We know of some reputable organizations that have violated the spirit of this ordinance,” said Mayor Keenan Cortez. “I think what we’re saying is we love our neighbors, but you cannot bring people and just drop them on the streets of this community without good reason for that. And you should be responsible for that if you, in fact, do that.”

Assistant City Attorney Andrea Knoblock says the ordinance, while possibly tough to enforce, is designed to prioritize citizens, resources, community health and safety because  displaced transient individuals negatively affect the health and safety of the community through increases in crime, drug activity, and pollution.

“This has placed a strain on public resources and created certain health and safety concerns for the community. It leads to the depletion of already limited resources for local residents experiencing homelessness in the community,” said Knoblock, who claims the Oklahoma highway patrol and some regional hospitals have sent these people to Joplin.

It will need to pass on second and third readings before officially taking effect.

Watch the full discussion below: