fined not to exceed $20, or imprisoned not longer than six months, when entering the state in order to secure public support. It is to be noted, too, that where there is no special legislation against "interstate migration," the law against bringing a pauper into a county or town in which he has no settlement applies.
When we turn to the treatment of the non-resident poor, we find the provisions various. As was noticed, ten states have no settlement requirement, and, consequently, no distinction of persons as resident and non-resident. Of these, Utah expressly provides that "transients," as well as others, shall be cared for by the several counties.[1] As was also noticed, the counties of Arkansas and Georgia are not responsible for the relief and support of non-residents removing in order to secure public support. In Missouri the court in whom is vested the power to provide for the poor may, at his discretion, disregard all settlement requirements. Were he to regard them, no provision would be found for the care and removal of the non-resident. The state of Tennessee makes the distinction between the "resident" and the "non-resident" poor, and admits the former to the almshouse, but no special provision is found for the relief or removal of the latter.[2] The remaining states make special provision for either the support or removal of non-resident dependents.
It will be well to distinguish between two classes of non-residents, viz.: (1) those who have no known residence in the state, and (2) those who have a residence in some town or county of the state other than that which they are in. We shall first notice the provisions concerning the former class.
The residence of a person of this former class may or may
- ↑ 2114.
- ↑ 187.
- ↑ 1968. In Massachusetts and West Virginia a person bringing a pauper into the state is liable to a fine of not to exceed $100; in Minnesota, a forfeit of $50, and a fine of not to exceed $100, or imprisonment not longer than three months; in Wisconsin and New York, a forfeit of $50, and in Pennsylvania, a forfeit of $75, together with the expense of his removal or support; in Maine, a fine of not to exceed $300, or imprisonment not longer than one year, with all costs of support; and in New Hampshire, a fine of not to exceed 500, or imprisonment not longer than one year, or both, together with the costs of support.
