Bill > HB1255

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing illegal encampments in Washington state by requiring counties, cities, and code cities to adopt ordinances prohibiting camping on public property within 500 feet of sensitive areas like schools, parks, courthouses, and locations with previous violent encampments. Counties, cities, and code cities that adopt and enforce these ordinances will be eligible for grants through a new encampment cleanup grant program, which will distribute at least $100 million annually. The bill creates an encampment cleanup account in the state treasury and mandates that the department of commerce develop a quarterly online dashboard tracking homeless encampment sites, including their location, number of inhabitants, and expenditures related to site closure. Local governments receiving state homelessness assistance funds must report specific data about encampments, and those that fail to comply may have their funding withheld. The grants can be used for enforcing the new ordinances, clearing debris, preventing future encampments, and providing housing and supportive services for homeless individuals. The funding will be distributed based on population and the number of unsheltered homeless individuals in each county, with the goal of addressing homelessness while protecting public spaces and sensitive community areas.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1255&Year=2025&Initiative=false