HB 2489 | Shelter, not penalties act

||| FROM AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION |||

Washington HB 2489 aims to establish statewide standards for local governments regarding the enforcement of laws regulating public space for life-sustaining activities, particularly in the context of homelessness. The bill prohibits local governments from enforcing anti-camping laws unless they can demonstrate that adequate alternative shelter is available at the time and place of the conduct. Key provisions include:

Life-sustaining activities defined as moving, resting, sleeping, and protecting oneself from the elements.
Adequate alternative shelter must accommodate pets, partners, and personal belongings, and cannot impose behavioral health requirements.
The bill is supported by the ACLU and aims to prevent the criminalization of homelessness, ensuring that individuals are not treated as criminals for basic survival activities.

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