Another light year for legislation tackling homelessness

Aside from budget investments, it was a very quiet session for bills that intended to address the growing problem of homelessness. Two competing proposals aimed to change the way vehicles being used a residence were handled when illegally parked, but neither bill made it out of committee. (We wrote up the bill, SB 5730, that mostly aligned with the 2022 task force recommendations.) We expect both proposals will return next year.

In the meantime, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral argument on the Grants Pass, Oregon homelessness case on April 22, 2024. The issue before the Court is whether the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. The outcome of this case, whichever direction it goes, will almost certainly spawn legislation next session.