Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.

“Today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets. This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities," said Governor Newsom. "California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people, and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives.”

Prior rulings by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had left local governments with limited options for addressing homelessness. These rulings resulted in prolonged lawsuits, obstructing efforts to clear encampments posing health and safety risks without clear guidelines on permissible actions.

Governor Newsom has consistently sought judicial clarity on this issue, including filing an amicus brief requesting that the United States Supreme Court hear this case. California is currently investing $1 billion through its Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) aimed at moving individuals out of dangerous encampments into shelters and housing.