Homeless camp ban allowed to proceed

SPOKANE – A Washington state appellate court on Thursday upheld Proposition 1, a local ballot initiative to ban homeless encampments within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, playgrounds and licensed childcare facilities within city limits.

The measure passed with nearly 75% voter support during the Nov. 7 election, but its future was clouded pending the outcome of a dispute over the legality of the initiative.

Following oral arguments heard Oct. 25, three judges on the Division III Court of Appeals said in Thursday’s published opinion that Washington voters have a statutory right to “direct...