Berkeley passes strict laws on homeless behavior

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- Despite heated protests, Berkeley just passed a set of strict laws aimed at homeless behavior on the streets.

The city council voted six to three in favor of the laws Tuesday night. They ban people from sleeping in planter beds, leaving belongings in trees, or taking up more than a two square foot space on sidewalks. Homeless advocates call this a "half-baked reactive response to an important issue."

One councilwoman says the goal is to discourage obnoxious behavior, not penalize the homeless.

WATCH VIDEO: Campout staged at Berkeley city hall to protest new homeless laws

Campout staged at Berkeley city hall protest new homeless laws