Governor Newsom’s Executive Order: A Bold New Approach

California Governor Gavin Newsom, fortified by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, issued an executive order on Thursday aimed at addressing the state’s pervasive homeless crisis. The order mandates the dismantling of homeless encampments across California, a state grappling with the highest homeless population in the nation. This directive comes on the heels of a landmark ruling that has significant implications for homeless policies nationwide.

The Supreme Court Ruling: Context and Impact

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of an Oregon city that had issued citations to homeless individuals for sleeping outside. This decision rejected the argument that such “anti-camping” ordinances violated the Constitution’s prohibition on “cruel and unusual” punishment. This ruling has provided legal backing for states and localities to enforce similar measures without the constitutional challenges that previously hindered such actions.