The senate bill SB 645 bill repeals the 2021 bill HB3115 which states “Objectively Reasonable” for time, place and manner. The “Objectively Reasonable” language is very vague in HB 3115 which opens the doors to lawsuits and is in fact what has caused Grants Pass so many problems as of late. Rep. Dwayne Yunker proposed a bill to repeal HB3115 but Rep Pam Marsh (D) committee chair would not allow it out of the committee for vote so now there is a senate version of this, SB 645.
You can read the bill SB 645 at:
Chief Sponsor: Senator Bonham (R)
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB645
Chair: Senator Khanh Pham (D) [email protected]
Vice-Chair: Senator Dick Anderson (R) [email protected]
Member: Senator Anthony Broadman (D) [email protected]
Member: Senator Todd Nash (R) [email protected]
Member: Senator Deb Patterson (D) [email protected]
Action item: Sample letter below to send to the committee members urging them to support SB 645.
Send emails to the committee members:
Sample Letter 1 to Send:
Dear Senators of Oregon State,
I am writing to urge your support for SB 645, which aims to restore local control over homelessness regulations in Oregon. This bill is a critical step toward aligning Oregon with national standards and empowering local governments to address the complex and growing challenges of homelessness effectively.
The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that local governments should have the authority to regulate homelessness within their jurisdictions. However, under current state law HB 3115, Oregon cities are restricted by vague and subjective terms such as “objectively reasonable,” which often leads to confusion and hampers the ability of municipalities to implement fair and practical solutions. This legal framework has, in effect, granted more rights to homeless individuals than to taxpaying citizens, undermining public safety and quality of life in our communities.
SB 645 will bring Oregon in line with the rest of the country by returning decision-making power to local counties, allowing them to enact tailored policies that reflect the needs and values of their communities. By supporting this bill, you will help ensure that Oregon’s cities and counties can adopt balanced, humane, and effective approaches to managing public spaces and providing support for those experiencing homelessness.
I respectfully ask you to support SB 645 and advocate for its passage. Our communities deserve solutions that prioritize both compassion and accountability, and this bill is a step in the right direction.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I appreciate your dedication to serving the people of Oregon.
Sincerely,
Sample letter 2:
Dear Senators of Oregon,
I urge you to support SB 645, which are essential to restoring local control over homelessness regulations in Oregon. These bills will align our state with national standards and empower local governments to address homelessness effectively and responsibly.
Currently, HB 3115 imposes vague and subjective language, such as requiring policies to be “objectively reasonable.” This ambiguity creates confusion and limits the ability of cities to implement clear, practical solutions and avoid lawsuits. As a result, our communities struggle to balance public safety, quality of life, and support for those in need.
The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that local governments should have the authority to regulate homelessness within their jurisdictions. SB 645 will return decision-making power to local counties, allowing them to enact policies that reflect the unique needs of their communities while ensuring humane and balanced approaches to managing public spaces.
I respectfully ask for your support in passing SB 645. Our communities need solutions that prioritize both compassion and accountability.
Thank you for your time and dedication to the people of Oregon.
Sincerely,
Further indication that Oregonians want stronger anti-camping laws:
Oregon cities unveil a new poll as they press for stronger anti-camping laws
“Cities have said for months they would make rolling back the 2021 law a central goal of this year’s session. They say the policy doesn’t give them enough certainty on what kinds of policies they’re allowed to pass, and creates an ever-present risk of a lawsuit.
An attempt in Portland to ban camping between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. spurred a lawsuit from the Oregon Law Center. Before the case could play out, Portland withdrew its policy and introduced a scaled-back proposal.”