On January 27, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in opposition to SB 49 – Unhoused Individuals – Rights and Affirmative Defense. While this bill aims to protect unhoused individuals, it could worsen housing insecurity, restrict local safety interventions, and pose serious risks to public health and community well-being. The challenges the bill presents to local governments are significant and stem from a preemption on local ability to enforce local laws that are designed to keep unhoused individuals and residents safe. Local jurisdictions have gone to great lengths to build out services, which entailed making substantial investments in facilities, social workers, human services teams, public health divisions, and public safety units. However, while local jurisdictions have continued to make considerable progress, the challenge is great.