An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.
This bill (SB 1089) allows individuals experiencing homelessness to use public spaces for basic needs like sleeping, eating, and storing belongings, provided they aren’t blocking walkways or streets. It requires municipalities to first offer "adequate alternative indoor space" (free, accessible, disability-friendly, and pet-friendly) before restricting such use in public areas. The bill defines "public space" broadly to include parks, sidewalks, plazas, and transit areas, while specifying that alternative housing in another municipality is only accessible if free transportation is provided. It directly affects homeless individuals and local governments responsible for enforcing public space rules. The law creates a legal defense for individuals using public space when adequate alternatives haven’t been offered.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 17, 2025
Last action Nov 17, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Nov 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 16 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Nikil Saval
DDemocratic
Co
Amanda Cappelletti
DDemocratic
Co
Art Haywood
DDemocratic
Co
Carolyn Comitta
DDemocratic
Co
James Malone
DDemocratic
Co
Jay Costa
DDemocratic
Co
John Kane
DDemocratic
Co
Judy Schwank
DDemocratic
Co
Katie Muth
DDemocratic
Co
Lindsey Williams
DDemocratic
Co
Maria Collett
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 1089
Scope: PA
Hi! I can help you understand SB 1089. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline