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Agenda Item
18. Introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending Washoe County Code (WCC) Chapter 50 (Public Peace, Safety and Morals) and Chapter 70 (Vehicles and Traffic) by adding new sections regarding: camping on County-owned properties or public places within 1000 feet of the Truckee River (50.400); use of fires, blow torches, and/or propane tanks (50.500); parking of oversized vehicles on public property (70.391); obstructive uses of public sidewalks, roads, and/or highways prohibited (70.392); ride solicitation and contribution from driver/occupant of vehicle prohibited (70.393); human habitation of vehicles on County-owned properties or public places (70.411); and all matters necessarily connected therewith and pertaining thereto; and if supported, set a public hearing for the second reading and possible adoption of the ordinance on March 12, 2024. Sheriff. (All Commission Districts.) FOR POSSIBLE ACTION
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada writes in opposition to this proposal.
The provisions are too broad, allowing law enforcement the discretion to enforce the criminal penalties against whomever they choose. Concurrently, the provisions particularly target people without housing, criminalizing specific situations such as living in a car or sleeping in a public area. The combination of targeting specific circumstances and the broad language will result in discriminatory enforcement if this bill is passed.
Criminalizing those who are unhoused is a waste of government and law enforcement resources. The County Commission should consider the needs of its constituents rather than attempt to criminalize poverty, especially via a potential ordinance drafted in this manner that seeks to skirt Ninth Circuit precedent. The County Commission should not pass this proposal to avoid costly litigation. Please consider treating taxpayers’ money, which will be expended when this matter is litigated, as your own and serving as a good fiduciary instead of passing such a foolish proposal.
Thank you Chair Hill and Commission members for all you do. Please support this item and give your Sheriff’s Department the tools it needs to help keep our public spaces and watershed safe, clean and accessible to all. Thank you.
County Commissioners,
Please support this ordinance as amended. Thank you!
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada writes in opposition to this proposal.
The provisions are too broad, allowing law enforcement the discretion to enforce the criminal penalties against whomever they choose. Concurrently, the provisions particularly target people without housing, criminalizing specific situations such as living in a car or sleeping in a public area. The combination of targeting specific circumstances and the broad language will result in discriminatory enforcement if this bill is passed.
Criminalizing those who are unhoused is a waste of government and law enforcement resources. The County Commission should consider the needs of its constituents rather than attempt to criminalize poverty, especially via a potential ordinance drafted in this manner that seeks to skirt Ninth Circuit precedent. The County Commission should not pass this proposal to avoid costly litigation. Please consider treating taxpayers’ money, which will be expended when this matter is litigated, as your own and serving as a good fiduciary instead of passing such a foolish proposal.
Best,
Tia Smith
Policy Counsel
Thank you Chair Hill and Commission members for all you do. Please support this item and give your Sheriff’s Department the tools it needs to help keep our public spaces and watershed safe, clean and accessible to all. Thank you.