Stay Awake or Be Fined: How the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass Ruling Exacerbates Homelessness in Maryland

Fining unhoused individuals for sleeping in public spaces exposes a critical flaw in the U.S.’ approach to its most vulnerable. The recent Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling underscores the harsh reality faced by those without shelter, penalized for sleeping in public areas with no viable alternatives. This brings to light urgent questions about the broader impact of criminalizing homelessness—how will it affect housing shortages and shape state and national policies?