Portland lawmakers plan to present a bill at the February legislative session that could spark another debate over the city’s homelessness and panhandling.
Portland lawmakers plan to present a bill at the February legislative session that could spark another debate over the city’s homelessness and panhandling.
Tensions between downtown business owners and people who sit and sleep on sidewalks have roiled Portland politics for years.
Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, the chief sponsor of the bill, said the goal isn’t to limit civil liberties but to give cities the flexibility they need to address conflicts on the streets.
Homeless advocates say the city should provide more help for people stranded on the streets. Business leaders say the police need tools to keep aggressive panhandlers from chasing away customers.
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