Once known for its scenic charm and tight-knit community spirit, Grants Pass and the greater Josephine County area are now facing a growing storm of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness, a problem may be rooted in a tangle of state policies and local limitations. Let’s take a closer look at this multi-layer problem.
All these problems point to a “multi-layer” crisis, where statewide legislation and local resource shortages combine to create a revolving door for offenders. From SB 48 (pretrial release reform) to HB 3115, which has limited the ability of local city policymakers to address homelessness, to HB 4002’s relaxed drug enforcement policies, and the absence of a municipal court system, all have played a role in degrading our community and overall well-being.
The Missing Municipal Court
The absence of a municipal court in Grants Pass means minor crimes, traffic violations, and ordinance cases must be sent to county creating delays and adding to the “revolving door” perception. A local court, could speed up justice and keep cases closer to home.
SB 48: The Revolving Door Begins
Enacted in 2021, Senate Bill 48 restructured Oregon’s pretrial release process, aiming to reduce reliance on cash bail and create a more uniform, “fair” system statewide. Critics here argue it had an unintended effect, making it easier for repeat offenders to be released back into the community quickly, fueling an ongoing cycle of arrests and releases.
SB 48 (ORS 135.233): Standing pretrial release orders
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_135.233
HB 4002: Repeal That Fell Short
While House Bill 4002 rolled back much of the controversial Measure 110 drug decriminalization law, many people say it didn’t go far enough. Hard drug use and the crimes associated with it remain rampant in downtown Grants Pass and nearby neighborhoods. This is where we really have a problem we still see the same addicts day after day, committing the same crimes.
HB 3115: Homeless Policy Frustrations
House Bill 3115, designed to ensure local ordinances comply with court rulings protecting the rights of homeless individuals, has also complicated matters for cities like Grants Pass. It limits the ability to enforce certain public camping bans or relocate encampments, leaving sidewalks and parks increasingly occupied. When vague policy language reads, “Objectively Reasonable” in HB 3115 for the homeless, it opens the door for lawsuits.
HB 3115 (ORS 195.530): Noncamping use of public property by homeless individuals
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_195.530
Questions About Local Capacity
On top of legislative challenges, questions remain about local resources:
- Jail staffing – Is the Josephine County Jail fully staffed, or is a shortage leading to early releases?
- Police numbers – Does the community have enough officers to meet demand?
- Leadership priorities – Are the District Attorney and Police Chief taking a strong enough stance?
The Road Ahead
For now, Grants Pass remains stuck in a complex web of state and local issues where crime, addiction, homelessness, and policy collide. It is clear that state laws have hindered and created many of the ongoing serious issues Josephine County faces. The city and county can only do only so much with their hands tied from the state – but there are steps that can be taken by the city to help relieve some of the issues we face.
We, the people, cannot sit idle while our community suffers. It is within our power to demand change, ending one-party dominance at the state level, overturning state policies that harm our towns. We must also empower our local leaders to create a municipal court system to ensure the safety of our community and close the door to the lawlessness that is destroying it. We must also ensure that our local resources (law enforcement, the district attorney, and the jail system) are used in an effective and efficient manner. The future of our community will not be decided by chance, but by the will of its citizens. Only through our united voice and steadfast action can we direct our state and local officials toward the kind of government we deserve.
