WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2489

HB 2489: Public space/local use laws

Establishing statewide standards for when local governments may enforce laws regulating the use of public space for life-sustaining activities.

Summary

  • Prohibits local governments from enforcing laws that criminalize, penalize, or otherwise prohibit a person from engaging in life-sustaining activities on public property unless the local government can demonstrate that adequate alternative shelter space was available at the time and place of the conduct, with certain exceptions.
  • Creates a private cause of action for injunctive or declaratory relief to challenge the enforcement of a local law that violates the bill.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2489), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
  1. IntroducedJan 14, 2026
  2. Out of committeeFeb 4, 2026
  3. Passed Housestopped here
  4. Passed Senate
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Mia Gregerson (D-33)
Introduced
January 14, 2026 in the House
Last action
February 4, 2026
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
HB 2489, SHB 2489

AN ACT Relating to establishing statewide standards for when local governments may enforce laws regulating the use of public space for life-sustaining activities;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Mia Gregerson (D-33)

24 co-sponsors (24 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Strom Peterson D-21Darya Farivar D-46Julia Reed D-36Jamila Taylor D-30Lisa Parshley D-22Osman Salahuddin D-48Edwin Obras D-33Cindy Ryu D-32Sharlett Mena D-29Beth Doglio D-22Nicole Macri D-43My-Linh Thai D-41Timm Ormsby D-3Chipalo Street D-37Natasha Hill D-3Shaun Scott D-43Alex Ramel D-40Brianna Thomas D-34Liz Berry D-36Mary Fosse D-38Tarra Simmons D-23Janice Zahn D-41Roger Goodman D-45Steve Bergquist D-11

Votes

No recorded floor votes.

History

  1. Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 2489)
  2. Referred to Rules 2 Review.
  3. HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2489)
  4. Minority; do not pass. (SHB 2489)
  5. Minority; without recommendation. (SHB 2489)
  6. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.
  7. Minority; without recommendation.
  8. Minority; do not pass.
  9. HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  10. First reading, referred to Housing.

HB 2489 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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