OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two bills in the state House are looking to push for more supportive housing and create limits on enforcing camping bans in Washington cities.

SB 2489 seeks to place regulations on cities’ ability to criminalize outside camping, requiring an “adequate” shelter option be available to those displaced.

This bill comes in response to the 2024 Supreme Court decision Grant’s Pass v. Johnson, that cleared the way for cities to ban unsanctioned camping within city limits.

During the House’s Housing Committee, bill sponsor Rep. Mia Gregerson noted that a version of this bill was before the legislation during the 2025 session.

“Last year, we had a very similar conversation and this bill seeks to address some of those biggest concerns,” Rep. Gregerson said. “That is why there is a definition of what ‘adequate shelter space’ means.”

The adequate shelter definition is lengthy according to the bill analysis, noting people should be able to bring personal belongings and pets into those spaces.

SB 2266 meanwhile would lower barriers and increase opportunities for cities in the state to build transitional housing and shelters.

Bill sponsor Rep. Strom Peterson previously worked to get versions of this bill passed, mentioning his ongoing mentality.

“My mantra going into this is ‘housing is housing,'” Rep. Peterson said. “So whether you are struggling in trying to secure housing or you’re able to afford fair market rents, we think you should be able to live in the city where you want to live.”

Bellingham city councilmember Michael Lilliquist was one of many speakers during the public hearing in the Housing Committee late last month, advocating for safety clauses be added to the bill.

Both bills are scheduled for executive sessions with committee members this week.