Summary
A new program would let property owners authorize police to remove trespassers, but councilmembers worried tenants and guests could be wrongly cited if landlords don't keep their lists current. The bill was laid over for reworking.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Unknown; officers may see modest added paperwork, and landlords could face liability questions.
Business owners in Kanawha City and owners of vacant properties plagued by trespassers.
Potentially tenants and their guests, who could be mistakenly identified as trespassers if owners fail to update their lists.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Aug 17, 2026
Businesses can now sign an affidavit and post signage letting Charleston police arrest trespassers on their property at the owner's request. It's voluntary, commercial-only, and owners can withdraw anytime. Council Member Solomon's push for annual renewals failed 20-4.
Ordinance and Rules Committee - Aug 17, 2026
Business owners would be able to sign up — with a notarized affidavit and required signage — to let Charleston police enforce trespass laws on their property without an owner present, mainly during off hours. Council members debated how broadly 'business' should be defined, whether vacant and residential properties should be covered, and whether the program gives police too much discretion to stop people who are simply on enrolled property.
Public Safety Committee - Aug 17, 2026
Business and property owners could sign up to let Charleston police enforce trespass laws on their property, including during off-hours, by filing a notarized affidavit and posting required signage. It's voluntary, and officers keep discretion over citations versus arrests.
Public Safety Committee - Aug 3, 2026
A new program would let property owners authorize police to remove trespassers, but councilmembers worried tenants and guests could be wrongly cited if landlords don't keep their lists current. The bill was laid over for reworking.
Ordinance and Rules Committee - Jul 6, 2026
A new program would let property owners sign affidavits and post signs so police can arrest trespassers on vacant or problem properties without chasing down the owner for consent each time. It's voluntary, and Pepper questioned how it works for family, contractors and mowing crews.
City Council - Jun 1, 2026
A divide emerged: Councilmember Robinson is introducing ordinances to give police tools against 'vagrants,' while Councilmember Solomon argued for root-cause solutions — affordable rent, higher wages, and free bus rides — rather than scapegoating people who are struggling.
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