Butte judiciary committee pauses action on park camping after legal and budget concerns

The Butte County Judiciary Committee on Sept. 10 voted to hold further action on enforcement or new ordinances addressing camping in county parks pending a legal review by County Attorney Enruth. Commissioner Healy made the motion to hold the matter in abeyance and the committee approved it by voice vote.

The decision came after residents and commissioners described repeated police calls about encampments and alleged crime around Emma Park and other neighborhoods, while law enforcement and the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana warned that legal limits constrain how the county can respond. "We have to do things that are constitutionally correct so we aren't violating people's rights," Sheriff Lester said.

The issue matters because neighbors said the presence of encampments has created safety and quality-of-life concerns, while local officials said the county lacks funding and legal clarity to adopt or enforce new measures. "Expand shelter access, warming centers, transitional housing, safe camping zones outside of parks, service outreach teams deployed with enforcement," Commissioner Healy said, listing options she wants the committee to explore.

Discussion and evidence…