Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would protect homeless people on Federal public lands by prohibiting penalties for basic, life-sustaining conduct. It would also create legal remedies and a criminal necessity defense while allowing an exception if suitable indoor space is available.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Adequate indoor space rules for homeless
If enacted, adequate indoor space would have clear rules. It would be free, available without daily reapplication, and legally and physically accessible. It would allow disabilities, pets, partners, family, support people, and belongings. It could be a tiny home with locks, climate control, and cooking and sanitary facilities, or a community with those. A permitted parking area with sanitary facilities could also qualify. If the space is in another jurisdiction, free transportation would have to be provided so people can handle personal or work needs.
Defense for homeless if no indoor space
If enacted, a homeless person charged for a life‑sustaining activity could claim a necessity defense if no adequate indoor space was available. The court would have to tell them about this defense. The law would presume no adequate indoor space was available unless the government proves otherwise.
Protections for homeless on public land
If enacted, federal agencies would be barred from penalizing homeless people for listed life‑sustaining activities on public land. This includes sleeping, resting, moving freely in places open to the public, and asking for or sharing food, water, or money. It also covers storing belongings with privacy from unreasonable searches and practicing religion. You could occupy a lawfully parked car or RV, move it before a ticket or tow, retrieve items from a towed vehicle, and get the vehicle back at a free or reduced rate based on ability to pay. These protections would not apply if an adequate indoor space is available.
Sue to enforce homeless rights
If enacted, the Attorney General could sue officials in federal court to stop violations. People harmed could sue for court orders and receive costs and reasonable attorney fees if they win. Plaintiffs would not owe costs or fees in non‑frivolous cases. Courts would read the law broadly and would not weaken constitutional protections or other remedies.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
WA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]
FL • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
AZ • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]
TX • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Johnson (GA)
GA • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
PA • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
McGovern
MA • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]
IL • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Schakowsky
IL • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
MI • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
NY • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
NJ • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]
IL • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Soto
FL • D
Sponsored 6/30/2025
Carson
IN • D
Sponsored 6/30/2025
Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]
MN • D
Sponsored 7/15/2025
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
VT • D
Sponsored 7/15/2025
Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
PA • D
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Simon
CA • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]
NY • D
Sponsored 8/15/2025
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
NJ • D
Sponsored 8/19/2025
Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
OR • D
Sponsored 8/26/2025
Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35]
TX • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 9/8/2025
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
CA • D
Sponsored 9/17/2025
Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
IL • D
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Grijalva
AZ • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Davis (IL)
IL • D
Sponsored 2/17/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov