New limits proposed on clearing Washington's homeless camps
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Part of a homeless encampment in Seattle near Interstate 5 n 2022. Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Seattle and other Washington cities could face new limits on when they can clear unauthorized homeless encampments under a bill before the state Legislature.
The big picture: The proposal follows a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave cities broader authority to enforce anti-camping laws, even when shelter is unavailable.
Context: Washington had the third-largest population of people experiencing homelessness among U.S. states in 2024.
Zoom in: House Bill 2489 would ban local governments from enforcing laws that criminalize or penalize camping or sleeping on public property unless people have access to adequate alternative shelter.
- The bill had a hearing before a state House committee earlier this week.
State of play: More than two dozen cities in King County have laws that limit or ban sleeping, resting or camping in public places, according to an analysis by the ACLU of Washington, which supports the legislation.
- Seattle, for instance, has a law against camping in public parks, as well as a law banning people from sitting or lying down on sidewalks downtown or in commercial zones from 7am to 9pm.
What they're saying: "Being homeless is not a crime," state Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac), the bill's prime sponsor, said during Tuesday's public hearing.
- "Criminalizing someone not breaking any laws other than seeking to survive when there is no adequate shelter available for them isn't good for anyone. It doesn't solve any problems."
The other side: City officials from Kent, Redmond and Kennewick testified against the bill this week, warning it would limit their ability to address public safety concerns.
- The bill's definition of "adequate alternative shelter space" would disqualify most shelter beds, Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe told House committee members.
- That would effectively mean police "cannot clear blocked sidewalks, address fire hazards under overpasses, or ensure public access to public spaces," Lowe said.
Lawmakers are also weighing a separate measure aimed at expanding where shelter and permanent supportive housing can be built.
- That proposal, House Bill 2266, is supported by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, as well as King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.
What's next: Both bills face a Feb. 4 deadline to advance out of committee.
- The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn March 12.