Proposition 312 criminalizes homelessness, forces cities and towns to act in ways that violate the rights of unhoused people, allows corporations to avoid paying taxes, and threatens the financial well-being of our state. Furthermore, it will worsen Arizona’s housing crisis by reducing resources available to fund housing assistance, infrastructure, and public health programs, all of which have proven effective in addressing housing instability.
Arizona’s homelessness crisis is due to a lack of affordable housing. Punishing people for sleeping in public or asking for money will only drive them further into poverty and away from resources and services that provide assistance.
Proposition 312 forces cities, towns, and counties to enforce unconstitutional laws prohibiting panhandling or requiring the seizure of personal property. In addition, Proposition 312 reduces the tax revenue that towns, cities, and counties may collect from property owners if they claim the municipality is not properly enforcing public nuisance laws. It opens the door for municipalities to face exorbitant court fees and administrative costs – expenses that would likely result in cuts to basic services many Arizonans depend on.
Proposition 312 simultaneously incentivizes local governments to weaponize laws against unhoused people and disincentivizes property owners to pay their fair share of taxes. This dangerous combination will only exacerbate dire situations in communities across the state and drain limited financial resources that could instead be applied to solutions.
Everyone deserves a safe, dignified place to live. Unfortunately, Proposition 312 will not address, but escalate, the systemic problems that lead to increases in homelessness in Arizona. Vote NO on Proposition 312.
