CAMAS, Wash. (KOIN) — Public camping in tents, RVs or otherwise will no longer be allowed within Camas City limits, after members of the city council unanimously voted to pass a new ordinance Monday.
In 2022, the city banned camping near rivers, parks and other public spaces. However, this new ordinance widens that scope to outlaw camping on all public spaces.
The move was made possible in light of the July 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass V Johnson, which found the Eighth Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment” clause does not prohibit the enforcement of laws regarding camping in public spaces.
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Camas City officials noted the ordinance is reflective of a number of changes adopted by cities and towns across the state of Washington related to unlawful camping and storage of personal property. However, unlike the previous ordinance, law enforcement will no longer be required to offer shelter to people when enforcing citations…