Oregon Democrats have introduced a state bill that would decriminalize homeless encampments and allow unhoused residents nearly unlimited access to public spaces.
The “Oregon Right to Rest Act” aims to support people experiencing homelessness by allowing them to “rest in public spaces and seek protection from adverse weather conditions,” as well as use public spaces freely without time limits based on their housing status.
The bill would also allow homeless people to sue for $1,000 if they are harassed or kicked off public land.
“Many persons in Oregon have experienced homelessness as a result of economic hardship, a shortage of safe and affordable housing, the inability to obtain gainful employment and a disintegrating social safety net,” the bill’s text states.
“Decriminalization of rest allows local governments to redirect from local law enforcement activities that address the root cause of homelessness and poverty.”
Oregon saw one of the country’s largest increases in the number of homeless residents between 2020 and 2022, according to The Oregonian.
The number of people experiencing homelessness in the state rose to about 18,000 over the two-year span for an increase of nearly 23%, the local paper reported, citing federal data.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Farrah Chaichi, is in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness and is set to be discussed at a public hearing Thursday.
“None of our homeless neighbors deserve to face police harassment and displacement, especially when they’re trying to rest,” Chaichi said in a tweet last year. “It’s time to pass right to rest legislation, and protect our most vulnerable from law enforcement harassment and brutality.”
Hundreds of Oregon residents have submitted testimony online ahead of the hearing — with the overwhelming majority opposing the bill.
“This bill is going to ruin my city,” Tigard resident Marci Macfarlane wrote. “We already have tents on almost every open green space in my area. So many people are starting fires on the sidewalks and under trees just to stay warm. We need to do better, provide affordable housing for those that want it.”
Another person, Gilbert Klemann of Portland, said that though the bill might mean well, it will harm the community in the end and do nothing to help the homeless.
Portland resident Micky Coyne called the legislation “the most insane bill.”
“It’s not humane to enable people to live on the street,” Coyne wrote. “And it’s dangerous to people who need to live around these tents. It’s unsanitary for all involved.”
Only a few dozen residents appeared to have submitted testimony in favor of the bill.
“It is easy to turn our backs on the homeless. To say they have no place in society,” Keizer resident Nicholas Marks said in one of the few supportive testimonies. “For 50 years the strategy has been the same. It is time for change. Treating people with dignity shouldn’t be a difficult choice.”
