The U.S. Supreme Court supports the ban on street sleeping; California is removing homeless tents | WPN World People News

The U.S. Supreme Court recently declared that anti-camping laws are constitutional. Following this decision, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on the 25th, directing state agencies to address the issue of homeless encampments. Newsom communicated through social media, instructing local governments to enhance public health and safety by managing the homeless encampments in a safe and humane manner. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and urged the use of state funds to quickly dismantle these encampments.

California has the largest homeless population in the United States, accounting for about one-third of the nation's homeless. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homeless individuals in California surpassed 180,000 in 2023 and continues to grow. From 2021 to 2022, the state government allocated $24 billion (approximately NT$780 billion) for street cleanup and housing reform, with an additional $7.2 billion (approximately NT$234 billion) budgeted to address homelessness. However, the number of homeless individuals has increased, leading to widespread concerns that the situation is out of control.

Although Newsom's statement does not grant him the authority to directly order local governments to take action, the state government can leverage funding to compel compliance. The order aims to address the problem of homeless tents and temporary shelters along highways, in shopping center parking lots, and in parks, as well as to respond to public dissatisfaction with the homelessness issue.