Oregon Considers Decriminalizing Homeless Encampments and Allowing Lawsuits for Harassment.

Democrat lawmakers in Oregon have proposed a bill that would decriminalize homeless camps and allow homeless people to sue for $1,000 if they are harassed or told to leave. The bill claims that decriminalization of rest would allow city leaders to redirect funds from law enforcement into measures that address the root causes of homelessness and poverty. However, the bill has faced opposition from citizens who claim that progressive policies have cut police budgets while crime and drug use have spiraled out of control. The bill will be discussed at a hearing of the state's House Committee On Housing and Homelessness on May 4.