Bill > SB359

This bill establishes a new procedure for addressing environmental concerns related to homeless camping sites near state waters, specifically empowering any person to file a complaint with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) if they believe a homeless encampment is discharging waste into state waters. Upon receiving a verified complaint, the DEQ is required to investigate and, if the complaint is substantiated, take two primary actions: first, remove the homeless individuals from the camping site, and second, clean up any waste to protect state waters. The bill clarifies that established campgrounds are not considered within the scope of this legislation, and provides that the DEQ may collaborate with local governments to conduct removals and cleanup, with a specific mandate to prioritize complaints involving surface waters used for municipal drinking water. The removal of homeless individuals must be conducted in accordance with existing Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 195.505), which likely provides guidelines for humane displacement. The bill will take effect on the 91st day following the adjournment of the 2025 regular legislative session, and it will be added to the existing environmental protection regulations in ORS chapter 468B.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB359