There are currently two bills in the Oregon Legislature aimed at repealing HB 3115: Senate Bill SB645 and House Bill HB2432. HB 3115 is the law that makes it extremely difficult for Oregon cities to regulate and enforce homeless camping, due to its requirement that restrictions on time, place, and manner must be “objectively reasonable.”
Although the 2025 legislative session is winding down, it remains essential to continue contacting our legislators and urging them to support the repeal of HB 3115 in a future session. We must keep the pressure on.
Repealing HB 3115 may ultimately require a voter initiative—a challenging path, but one we must be prepared to take. This law must be overturned if we hope to restore any sense of order and sanity to our communities.
Where did “Objectively Reasonable” for time, place and manner come from: It came from the Chief Sponsor of HB3115 who was Rep Tina Kotek prior to becoming governor. Once HB3115 became law it was than called; ORS 195.530 – Noncamping use of public property by homeless individuals.
SB 645 to Repeal HB 3115:
The senate bill SB 645 bill would repeal the 2021 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. Unfortunately SB 645 has been held up in the committee where the chair of the committee Senator Khanh Pham (D) will not allow the bill to move forward.
Chief Sponsor of SB 645: Senator Bonham (R)
Chair of the committee: Senator Khanh Pham (D)
You can read the senate bill SB 645 at:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB645
Email Address to the Committee Members for SB 645:
Sen.KhanhPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DickAnderson@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.anthonybroadman@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.ToddNash@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
HB 2432 to HB 3115:
“Repeals the statute enacted by House Bill 3115 (2021) that established objective reasonableness as a statewide standard for city and county laws regulating the use of public property with respect to persons experiencing homelessness, as the basis for a cause of action for injunctive and declaratory relief to challenge such laws and as an affirmative defense in the prosecution of violations of such laws”. Much like SB 645 the chair of the committee Rep. Pam Marsh (D) refuses to allow the bill to move out of the committee.
Chief Sponsors: Representative Yunker (R), Mannix (R), Diehl (R)
Chair of the committee: Representative Pam Marsh (D)
You can read the house bill HB 2432 at:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2432
Email Address to the Committee Members for HB 2432:
Rep.PamMarsh@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TomAndersen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.vikkibreeseiverson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AprilDobson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.LisaFragala@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.MarkGamba@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Sample letter for Senate Bill SB 645:
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 for House Bill HB 2432:
Dear Representatives of Oregon State,
I am writing to urge your support for House Bill 2432, 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.
HB 2432 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 HB 2432 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,
