Allowing objectively reasonable regulation of the utilization of public property.
HB 1380 establishes standards for local governments to regulate public space use, specifically addressing ordinances that restrict sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry in public areas for people experiencing homelessness. It requires such laws to be "objectively reasonable" by considering public safety, availability of shelter, impact on homeless individuals, and proportionality - prohibiting excessive measures. The bill allows individuals to challenge unreasonable ordinances in court through injunctive or declaratory relief, while protecting local governments from monetary lawsuits. It applies to all cities, towns, and code cities in Washington, aiming to balance public safety with housing access during the homelessness crisis.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Last action Jan 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Bill
→
Substitute Bill
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding a new section to chapter 79.24 RCW (county laws) and significantly strengthening the protections for local governments. The original version only covered city and town laws, while the substitute bill explicitly includes county ordinances. Additionally, the substitute bill replaced the vague 'totality of the circumstances' standard with a specific list of four factors that courts must consider when determining if a law is reasonable, and it clarified that these rules apply to both the laws themselves and their enforcement actions.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded from applying only to city and town laws to also explicitly include county laws. The applicability of the new rules was also clarified to cover enforcement actions, not just the laws themselves.
SCOPE
Added explicit coverage for county laws and ordinances to the protections and regulations previously limited to cities and towns.
REQUIREMENT
Replaced the general 'totality of the circumstances' standard with a mandatory list of four specific factors courts must evaluate, including public safety, availability of shelter, impact on homeless individuals, and proportionality of the measure.
ENFORCEMENT
Clarified that the objective reasonableness standards apply to the actual enforcement of laws, not just the laws on the books.
DEFINITION
Consolidated definitions into a single subsection and clarified that 'city or town law' encompasses ordinances, policies, rules, and regulations.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
10
Committee
13
Jan 12, 2026
Committee
Referred to Housing.
lower
Jan 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration.
lower
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.
lower
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Appropriations.
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
HOUS - Majority; do pass.
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing at 8:00 AM.
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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