California Senate Committee Rejects Homeless Encampment Clearance Bill

The bill aimed to ban homeless encampments near schools and transit hubs but faced opposition for potentially criminalizing homelessness.

Senate Bill 1011, co-authored by Senators Brian Jones and Catherine Blakespear, failed to pass in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
The bill proposed banning encampments within 500 feet of sensitive areas and required cities to provide alternatives before clearing camps.
Opponents argued the bill would criminalize homelessness without addressing underlying issues such as housing shortages.
Supporters claimed the bill was a necessary measure to protect public spaces and provide safety.
The bill can still be reconsidered before the legislative deadline on April 26.