BOMA Victory on Behalf of Members & the CRE Ownership - Rights of Persons Experiencing Homelessness

BOMA opposed legislation that would have imposed Seattle's homeless camping policy statewide. The bill, if passed, would have allowed homeless persons to camp anywhere in Washington "public places" unless taxpayers provided a no barrier shelter and would have created a protected class for homeless persons.

It would have also required taxpayers to fund any lawsuit they choose to file against a city or business. Public places include: parks-- city, county, state, greenbelts, trails; public buildings such as libraries, government buildings, community centers; sidewalks and streets; transit centers and privately-owned buildings that allow public access (malls, coffee shops, lobbies).  

The legislation would also have prohibited a homeless person from being subject to criminal or civil penalties or harassment by law enforcement, public or private security personnel, or agents of public private partnerships, for surviving in public space. This proposed legislation was not a sound approach to a complex challenge. BOMA opposed the legislation and it died in committee.