On February 6, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in opposition to SB 484 – Unhoused Individuals – Rights, Civil Action, and Affirmative Defense.
This bill establishes rigid rights for unhoused individuals as well as the grounds on which local intervention with these communities is permitted.
Historic challenges like the housing crisis, opioid epidemic, and surge in mental and behavioral health issues have all led to an increase in the number of unhoused individuals. Local jurisdictions have gone to great lengths to build out services, which entailed making substantial investments in facilities, social workers, human service teams, public health divisions, and public safety units. However, while local jurisdictions have continued to make considerable progress, the challenge is great.
Counties can appreciate that SB 484 is attempting to mitigate perceived harm, but in reality, it exposes communities and local governments to catastrophic repercussions at a time when urgent and practical solutions are needed now more than ever. This bill would compromise those efforts, while exposing communities to more danger.
SB 484’s cross-file, HB 487, was heard on February 12 in the House Judiciary Committee. Sarah Sample testified in opposition to this bill.
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