San Mateo County Approves Controversial Homelessness Ordinance

The ordinance, which penalizes homeless individuals refusing shelter, awaits a second vote for full implementation.

San Mateo County Supervisors unanimously approved a controversial measure that would allow authorities to charge homeless people who refuse shelter with a crime.
The ordinance stipulates that after a minimum of two written warnings and declined offers of shelter, those residing on public property can be charged with a misdemeanor.
The ordinance also mandates medical and mental health screenings before any warnings are issued.
Officials can only clear these areas if adequate shelter options are available, ensuring the measure stands on firm constitutional ground.
County supervisors will put the ordinance to a second vote in the coming weeks. If approved, it would become effective 30 days after that.