Lathrop: SCOTUS on Grants Pass case, implications

AG Candidate, Will Lathrop Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Grants Pass v. Johnson, Warns About Implications For Oregon Under ‘Right to Camp’ Law
By Will Lathrop for AG campaign,

Newberg, Ore. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced their decision on the long-awaited case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, ruling in favor of the City of Grants Pass. In response, Will Lathrop, Republican Candidate for Oregon Attorney General, released the following statement.

“The Supreme Court has rightfully decided the City of Grants Pass can enforce reasonable restrictions on homeless camps on public property. This decision effectively gives communities across our nation tools and clarity under the law to create and enforce reasonable restrictions on homeless camps, except in Oregon, where legalized tent cities remain the law under House Bill 3115,” said Lathrop.

Despite record spending on Oregon’s homelessness crisis, our state’s homeless population continues to grow with an estimated 20,000 Oregonians experiencing homelessness – a 16% increase between 2022 and 2023. The Portland-Metro area alone had a 70% increase in homeless intervention spending during 2023, totaling $531 million.

In 2021, the legislature passed Oregon’s ‘Right To Camp’ law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023 (HB 3115). It has been reported that with Oregon being one of the only states in the nation unable to enforce restrictions on public camping, we will also be one of the only states where widespread homelessness remains permissible and accepted.

“I am deeply concerned about the effect Oregon’s ‘Right to Camp’ law will have on our state’s ability to reduce homelessness and limit camping on public grounds,” said Lathrop. “My opponent, Dan Rayfield, led the charge to legalize unrestricted tent cities in Oregon, leaving local governments without tools to enforce reasonable restrictions on camping that help keep our communities safe. Because of Rayfield’s ‘Right to Camp’ law, not only will Oregon be unable to address our state’s widespread homelessness crisis – as other states start cleaning up their streets – I fear that we will see an influx of homeless populations flooding to Oregon where there is no accountability.”

More information about Will Lathrop, his priorities for a safer Oregon, and a full list of endorsements can be found at www.WillLathrop.com.