There is a new federal court rule that affects all western states including California, that will have a (hopefully) positive impact on the homeless populations. The law states that cities can no longer give homeless people tickets unless the city provides enough alternative beds to house the entire population. The ACLU of Southern California agrees that its wrong to punish people for sleeping outside when there aren’t always alternative options. They believe that it is a violation of the eighth amendment, citing cruel and unusual punishment. Currently, the city of LA only has enough shelter beds to house about a third of the population, which comes out to around 31,000. Organizations such as the ACLU are hoping this law will force cities to think of more reasonable and accessible alternatives to housing.