Belo Horizonte Council Approves First-Round Bills on Homeless Services and Street Clearance

Overview

• City lawmakers on Wednesday passed in first round a desobstruction bill requiring the municipality to clear blocked streets and sidewalks and remove permanent structures that violate regulations.
• Opponents argue the measure effectively allows seizure of belongings from people living on the streets, while the bill’s author says personal items will not be collected.
• On Tuesday, the council also approved in first round PL 227/2025, creating the “De volta para Minha Terra” program to offer transport, help with documents, logistical support for belongings and referral to social services for those wishing to return to their city of origin.
• Supporters cite a 2022 census indicating 58.5% of people in street situations in BH are from other municipalities, as critics counter that the city’s existing Migrant Service already provides shelter placements and bus tickets and call the proposal hygienist.
• Councillors further advanced a municipal social address to let people without a fixed residence receive mail and sign up for documents and programs, with all measures returning to committees for emendations before a final plenary vote and possible sanction or veto.