Official records from the Washington State Legislature

Washington Democrats Propose Bill to Establish Homelessness as a Protected Class, Legalize Encampments Statewide

Nov 19, 2024, 03:02 PM

Washington state Democrats, led by State Rep. Mia Gregerson, are set to propose a controversial bill aimed at establishing homelessness as a protected class. The proposed legislation would legalize homeless encampments and recreational vehicles (RVs) statewide, effectively removing cities' rights to enforce restrictions on encampments. Advocates argue that criminalizing homelessness is not a viable solution, while opponents express concerns that the bill could lead to negative consequences for the state. The initiative is being described as a move to recognize homelessness as a civil right, sparking significant debate around its implications for urban management and social policy.