This bill establishes statewide standards for local governments in Washington regarding the enforcement of laws that regulate the use of public space for life-sustaining activities, particularly in the context of homelessness. It aims to address the increasing rates of evictions and homelessness by providing clear guidance to local governments, ensuring that responses to homelessness align with evidence-based, low-barrier, and housing-first principles. The bill prohibits cities, towns, and counties from adopting or enforcing laws that criminalize or penalize individuals for engaging in life-sustaining activities on public property unless they can demonstrate that adequate alternative shelter space was available at the time and place of the conduct.

The bill also includes provisions that allow individuals to defend against penalties by proving that their actions were necessary life-sustaining activities and that no adequate alternative shelter was available. It emphasizes the protection of constitutional and human rights for individuals engaged in such activities and allows for legal challenges against local laws that violate these protections. Additionally, the bill defines "adequate alternative shelter space" and outlines the criteria that such spaces must meet, ensuring that they are accessible, free of charge, and accommodating to individuals' needs. The legislation aims to create a more humane and effective approach to addressing homelessness in Washington state.