Supreme Court Ruling Permits Cities to Enforce Homeless Camping Bans

The decision overturns previous limitations and grants local governments greater authority to manage public spaces.

The 6-3 ruling allows cities to implement and enforce bans on public camping, previously restricted by the Ninth Circuit's decision in Martin v. Boise.
Justice Neil Gorsuch's majority opinion emphasizes the complexity of homelessness and the need for local policy solutions.
Critics argue the decision neglects the rights of the homeless, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissenting on Eighth Amendment grounds.
The ruling is expected to impact urban areas significantly, potentially reducing the prevalence of homeless encampments.
Local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have welcomed the decision as a tool for addressing public health and safety concerns.