UPDATE: Arizona's Homeless Crisis: T.A.C.T. 48 line with Prop 312

Update from January 2024 Blog:

In November 2024, Arizona voters approved Proposition 312, a new law designed to help property owners when local governments don't enforce certain public nuisance laws. This means if your city or county isn't addressing issues like illegal camping or public drug use, and it affects your property, you might be able to get some of your property taxes back.

What Is Proposition 312?

Proposition 312 allows property owners to apply for a refund of their property taxes if they have to spend money fixing problems caused by local governments not enforcing laws against:

• Illegal camping
• Blocking public pathways
• Loitering
• Panhandling
• Public urination or defecation
• Drinking alcohol in public
• Using illegal drugs

If you have to pay to clean up or repair your property because of these issues, you can ask for a refund of those expenses, up to the amount you paid in property taxes the previous year. 

How Does It Work?

Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Identify the Problem: Notice if your property is affected by any of the issues listed above.
2. Document Your Expenses: Keep all receipts and records of money you spend to fix these problems.
3. Apply for a Refund: Submit an application to the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to request a refund for your expenses.
4. Await Response: Your city or county has 30 days to respond to your request. If they approve it or don't respond, ADOR will issue your refund. If they deny it, you can take legal action to challenge the decision. 

Efforts to address homeless encampments in Arizona have become increasingly crucial as communities grapple with the challenges posed by these makeshift settlements. The state has witnessed a surge in the number of homeless individuals, leading to the establishment of various initiatives aimed at tackling this issue. While these efforts strive to provide support and solutions, the need for professional biohazard clean-up services has become apparent in managing the aftermath of these encampments.

Local authorities and nonprofit organizations in Arizona have been actively working to address homelessness through outreach programs, shelters, and social services. However, homeless encampments often leave behind a range of biohazardous materials, including discarded needles, human waste, and other potentially hazardous substances. Cleaning up these sites requires specialized expertise and equipment to ensure the safety of both the environment and those involved in the process.

T.A.C.T. 48’s clean-up services play a crucial role in restoring these areas to a safe and habitable condition. These services are equipped to handle the proper disposal of biohazardous materials, minimizing the risk of contamination and promoting the well-being of the community. Moreover, our trained professionals ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, preventing the spread of diseases and safeguarding public health.  These clean-up efforts contributes to the overall revitalization of affected areas. By swiftly and efficiently cleaning up encampment sites, communities can reclaim public spaces and create an environment that fosters safety and well-being for all residents.

As Arizona continues to address the complex issue of homelessness, the importance of professional biohazard clean-up services cannot be overstated. These services not only contribute to the immediate safety and well-being of the community but also play a vital role in the long-term revitalization of affected areas. If you see an encampment starting in an area near you, call PHX C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Action, Response, Engagement, Services) at (602) 262-6251 so that an outreach team can address the issue and coordinate with city resources, such as T.A.C.T. 48, for the clean-up efforts. 

We encourage you to visit the Arizona Department of Revenue Website for more details on Prop 312 at:

https://azdor.gov/individuals/proposition-312-arizona-property-tax-reimbursement-non-enforcement-public-nuisance-laws