What is House Bill 1380?

This legislative session, Representative Mia Gregerson and Representative Strom Peterson sponsored House Bill 1380 (SHB 1380), which has been introduced as a response to the rising concerns of public safety and homelessness across Washington State. HB 1380 would limit a city's ability to respond to homelessness and resolve encampments within our community. While the bill's intent to balance public safety with compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness is commendable, the proposal does not address the root causes of homelessness, nor does it provide funding for local cities to provide services or account for the immense diversity of needs between Washington's many cities and towns.

What does it mean if HB 1380 is enacted?

If passed by the Washington State Legislature, HB 1380 would mandate that any city or town regulating the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outdoors on public property must be "objectively reasonable", a term which remains vague and ultimately leaves it to court rulings to define "objectively reasonable." In essence, Representative Gregerson's bill creates new confusion for cities and towns, subjects them to new litigation and liability, and takes time, attention, and resources away from addressing the root causes of homelessness.

What does that mean for Renton?

HB 1380 would significantly limit cities' ability to respond to homelessness and resolve encampments throughout the community. Additionally, HB 1380 does not account for the diversity between communities. Homelessness, and a city's response to the crisis, vary widely between communities across the state due to the variation between specific local needs and challenges and applies a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Given the immense diversity between Washington's cities and towns, an unfunded "one-size-fits-all" approach would reduce the effectiveness of Renton's local homelessness and sheltering response by limiting the city's response options and by diverting time and resources away from our current outreach and sheltering programs. In addition, HB 1380 would have the following effects on our community:

• Creates a focus on the symptomatic issues of homelessness rather than valuable resources for cities to respond to the root causes of the issue, which include lack of affordable housing, insufficient mental health and addiction services, barriers to employment, and income stability.
• Limits cities' ability to address public safety and sanitation concerns.
• Strains local resources and programs which are working to get unhoused individuals into shelter and on a housing pathway.

While the intent to balance public safety with compassion is commendable, HB 1380 fails to meet the mark and by returning the state's regulatory environment to as it existed prior the Grant's Pass ruling, will significantly impact our community's ability to effectively address homelessness.

What's next?

The City of Renton will stay engaged on HB 1380 this legislative session and will provide further updates as the bill moves through the legislative process. To follow HB 1380's progress and any legislative actions, please utilize the state legislature's bill page via this link or those on the side of the page.

Renton community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public process. There are several steps before the bill is final. What can you do? Call your local legislator, or share the impacts with your neighbors and follow along on the progress at this page.