CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Charlottesville City Councilor Michael Payne is sharing his thoughts on a Supreme Court case regarding homelessness and whether camping can be banned and considered a cruel and unusual punishment.

A group of homeless people in Grants Pass, Oregon, sued when the city passed a law in 2018 which banned camping by homeless people in the town.

The law fines people nearly $300 for sleeping outside when shelter and beds are available. Repeat offenders can be sent to jail for 30 days.

Payne says since he's been on Council, there has been no similar law in Charlottesville.

"If the court were to uphold the previous decisions, that did rule that that is not allowed, I think it would put more urgency on the city to build a year-round permanent homeless shelter and then partner with nonprofits to build more permanent supportive housing," he said.

Payne says there are around 250 homeless individuals in Charlottesville.

A ruling by the Supreme Court is expected by the end of June.