Finally! Statewide petition to fix the #1 homeless problem

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The local control and Safety Act has just been submitted by famed legal mind John DiLorenzo and Preston Mann of the Oregon Business & Industry. This proposed measure aims to overturn a 2021 Oregon law that restricts cities and counties from tackling unsanctioned camping. This 2021 law is the biggest barrier to fixing the homeless crisis. By repealing this law, local communities would gain the authority to decide how best to manage the homelessness crisis on their streets, ultimately enhancing community safety.

Right now the petition needs to quickly gather 1,000 starter signatures in order to qualify for a ballot title which then launches the statewide effort and gathering of signatures.

The local control and Safety Act text:

Whereas, homelessness and unsanctioned public camping represent a clear and present
danger to unhoused Oregonians and community safety; and

Whereas, Oregonians have consistently expressed homelessness and housing as one of
the top challenges facing the state of Oregon; and

Whereas, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a homelessness state of emergency on
January 10, 2023; and

Whereas, communities across Oregon have seen their open spaces taken over by
encampments; and

Whereas, Oregon’s outdoor recreation and natural spaces have long been a key source of
economic growth and tourism; and

Whereas, despite an increase in shelter capacity, the rate of homelessness has continued
to increase across Oregon; and

Whereas, Oregon ranks worst in the country for unsheltered child homelessness; and

Whereas, the rate of homelessness increased by 13.6% from 2023 to 2024 according to the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s latest point-in-time count; and

Whereas, Oregon has the eighth-largest homeless population while ranking only 27th in
total population according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s
December 2024 point-in-time count; and

Whereas, local communities must have the authority to exercise control over unsanctioned
public camping laws, ordinances and enforcement mechanisms; and

Whereas, local control is a democratic value Oregonians hold dear and the ability to self-
govern on issues of unsanctioned public camping laws is essential to promoting
community health and safety; and

Whereas, House Bill (HB) 3115 was enacted to codify the Martin v. City of Boise decision;
and

Whereas, the sponsor of HB 3115 stated the bill was intended to “operationalize and affirm
the principles of that landmark decision at the local level”; and

Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Martin v. City of Boise decision in The City
of Grants Pass v. Johnson; and

Whereas, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in The City of Grants Pass v. Johnson,
which made clear that local governments can enforce camping regulations, Oregon
communities are restricted from doing so under state law; and

Whereas, ORS 195.530 continues to interfere with local communities’ ability to protect
parks and open spaces for the enjoyment and use by Oregon families; and

Whereas, ORS 195.530 continues to interfere with local communities’ ability to promote
community health and safety; and

Whereas, Oregon’s homeless population has increased dramatically since ORS 195.530
was enacted, demonstrating its ineffectiveness; and

Whereas, ORS 195.530’s terms are confusing and undefined in law and have left local
governments exposed to threats of costly litigation; and

Whereas, ORS 195.530 must be repealed to restore local control over unsanctioned public
camping and to preserve and promote community enjoyment and safety.

THE LOCAL CONTROL & SAFETY ACT

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. ORS 195.530 is repealed.
SECTION 2. This Act is effective upon passage.