Public commenter urges Linn County to oppose bills that would criminalize homelessness; board asks lobbyists to file opposition by consensus

During the March 5 meeting's public comment period a speaker urged the Linn County Board of Supervisors to oppose two state bills—Senate Study Bill 1195 and House Study Bill 286—saying the companion measures would criminalize homelessness and impose fines without adding funding for services.

The commenter said the bills "will criminalize homelessness, creates a misdemeanor and a fine to individuals, creates additional duplications on efforts already underway in trying to serve populations that are, homeless or at risk for being homeless." The speaker also criticized a citizen enforcement provision and warned the bills could target nonprofits and individuals rather than provide support.

Supervisor Rogers asked whether the board wanted to act at that meeting. Staff noted the agenda lacked a formal legislative update but suggested staff could ask the county's lobbyists to file opposition if the board had no objection. Supervisor Rogers expressed no opposition to asking the county lobbyists to file against the bills. The board chair said staff would email Darren to ask the lobbyists to file opposition if there were no objections.

The board did not take a roll-call vote; the record shows a consensus direction to staff to contact the county's lobbyists to register opposition. No formal resolution was introduced at the meeting, and no additional funding or legislative language changes were approved.

The public comment also referenced a separate House study bill on immigration and law enforcement that had been pulled from consideration at the time of the meeting.