Grants Pass v. Johnson

In June 2024, 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.

This Supreme Court ruling overrides a 2022 United States Court of Appeals decision in Johnson v. City of Grants Pass, which directed that laws must allow "necessary minimal measures" for people experiencing homelessness to "keep themselves warm and dry" and "rudimentary forms of protection" from the elements.

The City of Hillsboro DOES NOT plan to create more restrictive camping rules or change our approach to enforcement, which focuses on providing education and services but can include penalties — such as exclusion, citation, or arrest — in circumstances where the individuals repeat the violation after being informed of the rules. Read our recent news article to learn more.