(The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Martin v. Boise on Friday set up Spokane to finally enforce its voter-approved camping ban, although not much has changed in the days since that decision.
The Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling reverses the precedent that prohibited cities from enforcing anti-camping ordinances if they lack enough shelter beds for their homeless population. The landmark decision set the stage for municipalities nationwide to begin prosecuting illegal camping.
Back in November, 75% of Spokane voters passed Proposition 1 , which made camping within 1,000 feet of parks, daycare or schools illegal. The voter-approved ordinance also bans camping within 50 feet of a viaduct and three blocks of any congregate shelter.
However, the Spokane Police Department never fully enforced Prop 1 or the city’s “sit and lie” ordinance due to concerns from fallout over the Martin v. Boise decision. But now that it’s been overturned, SPD Interim Chief Justin Lundgren said things are changing to a degree.