Sponsors
The bill gives cities clearer authority to remove public encampments and may improve sanitation and public access, at the cost of greater criminalization and displacement of people experiencing homelessness and some increased taxpayer expense.
Municipalities and local governments gain clearer legal authority to remove unauthorized public encampments, enabling actions that can improve sanitation and reduce hazardous conditions.
Urban residents and nearby businesses will likely see fewer public encampments, improving sidewalk and park access for pedestrians and reducing interference with local commerce.
People experiencing homelessness, particularly low-income individuals, may be criminalized (fines or jail) for sleeping in public, increasing criminal records and barriers to housing and employment.
People experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities may be displaced by enforcement without guaranteed shelter alternatives, worsening instability and pushing them into less safe locations.
Taxpayers may face higher costs from increased arrests, prosecutions, and jail use related to enforcing homelessness-related offenses.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes unauthorized outdoor camping on public property in D.C. a crime punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both, and defines "camping" broadly.
Introduced September 4, 2025 by William R. Timmons · Last progress September 4, 2025
Makes it a crime in the District of Columbia to camp on public property without lawful authority. The law defines "camping" broadly to include using tents, tarps, temporary shelters, sleeping in or preparing to sleep in or outside a vehicle, or laying out bedding. A person who violates the rule may be fined up to $500, jailed for up to 30 days, or both.