California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today that orders state officials to remove homeless encampments across the State of California with “urgency and dignity.” The order follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson that laws penalizing homeless people for sleeping outdoors do not violate the Eighth Amendment.
Newsom stated the executive order directs state agencies and provides guidance for local governments addressing the homeless encampment crisis:
This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them — and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.
Newsom stated local governments now have the ability to address encampments, posting on X:
