From Lizbeth Adams, Co-Chair, Bishop’s Task Force to the Unhoused:
Come, Creator Spirit
Master and Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them! Stretch out your hand to heal. Refresh our weak frame with new strength, fortitude and grace to endure. (Acts 4: 24,30 and Veni Creator)
We are called to forge implements of healing for ourselves and our communities. In these times of particular uncertainty, reliance on familiar systems and approaches feels naïve and passive. And so we gird ourselves to find new ways forward. The Bishop’s Taskforce to the Unhoused focuses on advocacy, education and outreach in strategizing solutions to reduce the suffering of our unhoused neighbors. Our advocacy begins with educating ourselves about the issues currently in process in the Washington State legislature. Reading the bills and listening to public comments provides a more nuanced understanding of the issues, and we also refer to the Low Income Housing Alliance Bill Tracker (see the “support” and “oppose” tabs in the workbook) to guide communication with our representatives. The following bills are currently in process and are relevant to the provision of housing and the de-criminalization of homelessness.
HB 1195 (In Committee in the House 4/9/25)
The bill aims to lower barriers to approval of STEP housing (supportive housing and shelters) by proposing that a city may not prohibit such housing in zones where hotels and residential dwelling units are allowed. The review process may be administrative, often conducted without a public hearing.
HB 1096 (Passed the house chamber; In Committee in the Senate 4/11/25)
The bill increases housing options through lot splitting. It requires cities that are subject to minimum residential density requirements to create a process for simultaneous review and approval of an administrative lot split and residential building permits for new single-family or middle housing.
HB 1380 ( Introduced in the House as of 4/11/25)
This bill allows “objectively reasonable” regulation of the use of public property for the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outdoors. The precedent cases Martin v. City of Boise and City of Grants Pass v. Johnson allowed and then revoked approval for the occupation of public property when an individual does not have access to other shelter.
HB 1217 (Passed House and Senate; engrossed 4/10/25)
The bill improves housing stability for tenants by limiting and requiring notice of rent and fee increases, and providing support for enforcement mechanisms. The engrossed bill, which is less protective of tenants than the original version, is being returned to chamber for additional discussion.
- To find housing-related bills (searchable by topic): https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary
- To identify and contact your state representative: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder
- For additional information about the bills, see the Low Income Housing Alliance Bill Tracker here: 2025 Legislative Session Bill Tracker.xlsx
Love one another with strength and resolve.
In community,
Lizbeth Adams
Co-Chair, Bishop’s Taskforce to the Unhoused
