The Arizona Senate passed a bill that bars the use of state and local money from being used on hotels that take paying customers while providing temporary shelter to unhoused people.
Legislative opponents say such a bill further stigmatizes the homeless population.
"It harms vulnerable populations including veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, youths, families who rely on this option as a last resort. And there are several situations where mixed housing is the best option," said Democratic state Sen. Lauren Kuby.
The hotels would have to say on their website that they provide shelter services, as well as posting signs on hotel property.
The measure now goes back to the House.
More news on homelessness
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A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring the city of Phoenix from fully enforcing its new parks ordinance. -
An Orthodox Christian group is threatening to sue the city of Phoenix over a controversial new ordinance it passed last month that bans groups from providing medical care and food to the homeless in city parks — unless they have one of two permits that will be available for it per month in some parks. -
Phoenix is facing a lawsuit following a new ordinance restricting food distribution and medical care to people in need at parks. -
Maricopa County’s eviction prevention pilot aims to better identify households at risk of eviction, provide residents with resources and better collaborate with participating landlords and justice courts. -
In a policy session Tuesday, the Phoenix City Council approved a budget that includes several new investments in housing affordability and homeless services.
