Arizona Passes Proposition 312 to Address Homelessness Enforcement

The new law allows property tax refunds for damages when local governments fail to enforce public nuisance laws.

Proposition 312 was approved by Arizona voters with a 58% majority, enabling property owners to claim tax refunds if local governments do not enforce laws against public nuisances like illegal camping and drug use.
The measure was designed by the conservative Goldwater Institute and aims to push municipalities to take stronger actions against homeless encampments, particularly in areas like Phoenix's 'The Zone.'
Supporters argue that the initiative will hold local governments accountable and protect property owners from financial losses due to non-enforcement of nuisance laws.
Critics, including homeless advocacy groups, warn that the measure could divert resources from essential services and worsen the homelessness crisis by penalizing cities financially.
The law's implementation poses challenges, as cities must balance enforcement with budget constraints and address the underlying affordable housing shortage that contributes to homelessness.