In late June, the Supreme Court ruled that criminal punishment for camping in public places is not deemed "cruel and usual" under the Eighth Amendment — even when people experiencing homelessness have nowhere else to go.

Grants Pass v. Johnson: What You Need to Know

In Oregon, House Bill 3115 continues to require cities & counties to allow community members to sleep and rest on public property — with restrictions — when no shelter beds are accessible.

• After listening & engaging with the community, the Hillsboro City Council adopted new camping rules in effect July 1, 2023 to comply with state and federal laws.
  
  
• The City of Hillsboro DOES NOT plan to create more restrictive camping rules at this time.

The Supreme Court decision DOES NOT change the City's approach to camping rules enforcement.

• For the Hillsboro Police Department, City Manager's Office, and community partners, the current focus is to provide education and services to community members living unsheltered.
  
  
• Penalties — such as exclusion, citation, or arrest — may be issued in circumstances where violations are repeated after individuals have been educated and provided a chance to comply.

For more information, read a recent OPB news article on the case or visit our Camping Rules webpage.

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• Year Round Shelter Project on Engage Hillsboro
• Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue
• Hillsboro’s Homelessness Initiatives
• Shelters in Hillsboro
• Washington County Emergency Shelters 
• Washington County Pod Villages 
• Washington County Day Centers & Homeless Resources