California cities crack down on homelessness as Supreme Court ruling empowers officials to clear encampments.
At a Glance
- Supreme Court ruling allows California cities to enforce fines and make arrests for public camping
- Over 181,000 homeless individuals in California, nearly one-third of the nation’s unhoused population
- Governor Newsom welcomes ruling, urges compassionate policies for managing encampments
- Critics argue criminalizing homelessness is not a viable solution, call for more housing and services
- Debate intensifies over balancing public safety concerns with human rights issues
Supreme Court Ruling Shifts Homeless Policy in California
A recent Supreme Court decision has dramatically altered the landscape of homeless policy in California. The ruling, which overturned previous legal protections for those sleeping on the streets, has given local authorities unprecedented power to clear homeless encampments. This shift comes as California grapples with a staggering homeless population of over 181,000 individuals, representing nearly one-third of the nation’s unhoused.
The court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson resulted in a 6-3 ruling favoring the city of Grants Pass, Oregon. This verdict effectively allows cities to use existing ordinances or pass new ones to banish, cite, or arrest homeless individuals sleeping in public spaces, even when alternative shelter is unavailable. The ruling has united some Democratic officials with conservatives in pushing for a crackdown on homeless encampments, sparking intense debate about the role of law enforcement in addressing homelessness.
Today’s Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe homeless encampments and helps us deliver common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities. pic.twitter.com/dNwMf6zhIG
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) June 28, 2024
Governor Newsom’s Response and New Legislation
Governor Gavin Newsom has welcomed the court’s ruling, issuing an executive order that urges local governments to develop compassionate policies for managing encampments. In a move to address the crisis, Newsom signed two new laws aimed at facilitating the placement of unhoused individuals into hotels and expediting the construction of junior accessory dwelling units for shelter.
“California officials are taking aggressive action on homelessness following a Supreme Court ruling in June that allows cities to enforce fines and make arrests for public camping and sleeping outdoors.” – CNBC
The governor’s approach reflects a growing sentiment among some officials that more assertive measures are necessary to address the visible homelessness crisis in California’s cities. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, facing pressure in her reelection campaign, has expressed support for the decision, indicating plans to be more aggressive in addressing street homelessness.
Critics Voice Concerns Over Criminalization
However, not all officials are in agreement with this aggressive approach. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has warned against using the ruling as an excuse to arrest or hide the homelessness crisis. Critics argue that criminalizing homelessness is not a viable solution and call for more housing and supportive services.
“Critics of the new approach, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, argue that criminalizing homelessness is not a viable solution and that more housing and supportive services are needed.” – CNBC
Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, has expressed concern that the ruling exacerbates the homelessness crisis by removing protections for those living in encampments. Advocates emphasize the need for interim housing solutions while permanent housing is developed, pointing out that chronic homelessness costs taxpayers an average of $35,578 per year per individual.
The Path Forward: Balancing Enforcement and Compassion
As California cities begin to implement more aggressive policies in light of the Supreme Court ruling, the debate over how to address homelessness compassionately and effectively continues. The state faces a significant challenge, with only about 71,000 emergency shelter or transitional housing beds available for its large homeless population.
“Homelessness is complex,” wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, writing for the majority. “Its causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it. At bottom, the question this case presents is whether the Eighth Amendment grants federal judges primary responsibility for assessing those causes and devising those responses. It does not.” – CalMatters
As cities like San Diego pass ordinances banning camping on streets and sidewalks when shelter beds are available, the focus turns to creating sufficient alternative housing options. The challenge lies in balancing public safety concerns with the human rights of those experiencing homelessness, all while working towards long-term solutions to this complex issue.
Sources:
- California officials get aggressive on homelessness after Supreme Court ruling
- Supreme Court gives cities in California and beyond more power to crack down on homeless camps
