Lawmakers send sends homeless camp removal bill to governor

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon legislators have sent legislation to Governor Kate Brown that would allow the state’s largest city to coordinate with the Oregon Department of Transportation to remove homeless encampments.

Under the measure, Portland and ODOT would be allowed to join forces in removing homeless encampments.

Proponents said removing the encampments is complicated when they spread across city and state land, which is often adjacent, such as around overpasses and pedestrian trails.

Advocates for the homeless said they were skeptical that broad language in the bill could be used to simply speed the removals by allowing the city and agency to present a united front.

After the House approved the bill last week, the Senate approved it unanimously Monday, sending it to the governor for her signature.