Signed by Governor Kate Brown

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that extends the local government timeline for homeless campers to remove their belongings by 2 days.

Highlights:

• Defines “personal property” as any item that can reasonably be identified as belonging to an individual and that has apparent value or utility (Sec. 1a-2).

• Requires law enforcement officials to post a written notice, in English and Spanish, at all entrances to the camping site to the extent that the entrances can reasonably be identified at least 72 hours before removing homeless individuals from an established camping site (Sec. 1-3).

• Establishes personal property at the camping site that remains unclaimed after removal will be given to a law enforcement official, a local agency that delivers social services to homeless individuals, an outreach worker, a local agency official or a person authorized to issue a citation (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires the written notice to state, at a minimum (Sec. 1-6):

• Where unclaimed personal property will be stored;

• A phone number that individuals may call to find out where the property will be stored; or

• If a permanent storage location has not yet been determined, the address and phone number of an agency that will have the information when available.

• Specifies if a funeral service is scheduled with less than 72 hours’ notice at a cemetery at which there is a camping site, or a camping site is established at the cemetery less than 72 hours before the scheduled service, the written notice may be posted at least 24 hours before removing homeless individuals from the camping site (Sec. 1-9.b).

• Requires the unclaimed personal property to be stored (Sec. 1a-5.b):

• For property removed from camping sites in counties other than Multnomah County, in a facility located in the same community as the camping site from which it was removed;

• For property removed from camping sites in Multnomah County, in a facility located within six blocks of a public transit station;

• Items that have no apparent value or utility or are in an insanitary condition may be immediately discarded upon removal of the homeless individuals from the camping site; and

• Weapons, controlled substances other than prescription medication and items that appear to be either stolen or evidence of a crime shall be given to or retained by law enforcement officials.

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a city that has a population of 500,000 or more for the removal, storage and disposition of personal property deposited, left or displayed on property that is owned by the department (Sec. 2-1).

• Specifies the 72-hour notice does not apply in the following instances (Sec. 2-4):

• When there are grounds for law enforcement officials to believe that illegal activities other than camping are occurring;

• Where there is an exceptional emergency, such as possible site contamination by hazardous materials; or

• When there is immediate danger to human life or safety.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that extends the local government timeline for homeless campers to remove their belongings by 2 days.

Highlights:

• Defines “personal property” as any item that can reasonably be identified as belonging to an individual and that has apparent value or utility (Sec. 1a-2).

• Requires law enforcement officials to post a written notice, in English and Spanish, at all entrances to the camping site to the extent that the entrances can reasonably be identified at least 72 hours before removing homeless individuals from an established camping site (Sec. 1-3).

• Establishes personal property at the camping site that remains unclaimed after removal will be given to a law enforcement official, a local agency that delivers social services to homeless individuals, an outreach worker, a local agency official or a person authorized to issue a citation (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires the written notice to state, at a minimum (Sec. 1-6):

• Where unclaimed personal property will be stored;

• A phone number that individuals may call to find out where the property will be stored; or

• If a permanent storage location has not yet been determined, the address and phone number of an agency that will have the information when available.

• Specifies if a funeral service is scheduled with less than 72 hours’ notice at a cemetery at which there is a camping site, or a camping site is established at the cemetery less than 72 hours before the scheduled service, the written notice may be posted at least 24 hours before removing homeless individuals from the camping site (Sec. 1-9.b).

• Requires the unclaimed personal property to be stored (Sec. 1a-5.b):

• For property removed from camping sites in counties other than Multnomah County, in a facility located in the same community as the camping site from which it was removed;

• For property removed from camping sites in Multnomah County, in a facility located within six blocks of a public transit station;

• Items that have no apparent value or utility or are in an insanitary condition may be immediately discarded upon removal of the homeless individuals from the camping site; and

• Weapons, controlled substances other than prescription medication and items that appear to be either stolen or evidence of a crime shall be given to or retained by law enforcement officials.

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a city that has a population of 500,000 or more for the removal, storage and disposition of personal property deposited, left or displayed on property that is owned by the department (Sec. 2-1).

• Specifies the 72-hour notice does not apply in the following instances (Sec. 2-4):

• When there are grounds for law enforcement officials to believe that illegal activities other than camping are occurring;

• Where there is an exceptional emergency, such as possible site contamination by hazardous materials; or

• When there is immediate danger to human life or safety.

Full Bill Text