CALIFORNIA, USA — California leaders are sharing their thoughts after the Supreme Court ruled Friday cities can enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors despite the lack of shelter space in some areas.
In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, the high court reversed a ruling by a San Francisco-based appeals court that found outdoor sleeping bans amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
The case came from the rural Oregon town of Grants Pass, which appealed a ruling striking down local ordinances fining people $295 for sleeping outside after tents began crowding public parks.
Friday's ruling comes after homelessness in the United States grew a dramatic 12% last year to its highest reported level, as soaring rents and a decline in coronavirus pandemic assistance combined to put housing out of reach for more people.
Here's what California leaders have to say about the ruling. More will be added as statements are released.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom said this ruling removes legal ambiguities that have limited the ability of local officials.
“California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives," Newsom said in a statement.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg:
"Unsheltered homelessness in Sacramento fell 41 percent between 2022 and 2024 due to our strategy of combining more shelter, housing and services with an insistence that people cannot live in large encampments and violate ordinances protecting sidewalks, parks, and other critical spaces. This court ruling should not change our balanced, compassionate approach," Steinberg posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Rep. Kevin Kiley
Republican representative Kevin Kiley, who represents most of the California-Nevada border including Placer and Sacramento counties, said homelessness in the state is a crisis.
“Today, the Supreme Court gave our communities back the ability to regulate homeless encampments in a commonsense way. This decision presents a chance to reclaim our public spaces, restore order, reduce crime, protect public health, and get homeless individuals the assistance they need,” Kiley said in a statement.
Sacramento County DA Thien Ho
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said he supports the Supreme Court's decision.
"The “Martin v. Boise” experiment can no longer be used as an excuse to do nothing. We must now redouble our efforts to provide comprehensive services and compassionate enforcement with an approach guided by empathy, respect, and a commitment to creating a healthier and safer Sacramento for everyone," Ho said in a statement.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa
Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa, who represents parts of Butte County, Colusa County, Yuba County and more, said it was the right call.