U.S. Supreme Court says cities can punish people for sleeping in public places

In its biggest decision on homelessness, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled cities can ban sleeping in public places, affecting how Western states manage homelessness policy and shelter availability.

Advocates express concerns that punishing homelessness won't solve the issue, potentially worsening conditions for a quarter of a million unhoused individuals living on streets, in parks, or cars.

Decision impacts 9th Circuit states, influences national homelessness policy; cities seek more enforcement powers to address public safety concerns related to homeless encampments and shelter shortages.

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