Hobbs vetoes bill designed to force some communities to dismantle homeless encampments

By Greg Hahne
Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services
Published: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - 2:30pm
Updated: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - 7:47am

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill Monday designed to force communities to dismantle homeless encampments. 

In some circumstances, the measure could have also led to the arrests of individuals, especially those using illicit drugs or trespassing on private property.

In her veto letter, Hobbs said the legislation did not address root causes or offer alternate paths for people.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Gutierrez echoed that sentiment in a previous hearing and called for more money to be put into health services.

GOP lawmakers who supported the measure such as Rep. Kevin Payne said the point of the bill was to protect public safety and private property rights.

Hobbs has now vetoed more than 100 bills this year.

BusinessPolitics Housing