This bill addresses the increasing issues of evictions and homelessness in Washington State by establishing guidelines for local governments regarding the regulation of public property use. It emphasizes the need for objectively reasonable regulations concerning activities such as sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outdoors. The bill mandates that any laws or enforcement actions taken by cities, towns, counties, or the state must consider public safety, the availability of alternative housing options, and the impact on individuals experiencing homelessness. It also provides a framework for assessing the reasonableness of such laws based on the totality of circumstances, ensuring that measures are proportional and not excessively punitive.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals to challenge the objective reasonableness of these laws in court, providing an affirmative defense for those accused of violating such regulations if they can demonstrate that the law is not objectively reasonable. It also stipulates that courts may award reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs under certain conditions, while explicitly stating that no private right of action for monetary damages is created. The bill applies retroactively to existing laws and is designed to take effect immediately to address the urgent homelessness crisis.