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Prohibiting Criminalization of Homelessness on Federal Lands: New Rights for Homeless Individuals

The "Housing not Handcuffs Act" aims to protect homeless individuals from penalties for performing basic life-sustaining activities on federal public lands. It grants them rights to be in public places, store possessions, and use vehicles, provided adequate alternative indoor space is not available. Citizens gain the ability to seek legal recourse if unfairly penalized.
Key points
Prohibits penalizing homeless individuals for life-sustaining activities (e.g., sleeping, eating) on federal lands if no adequate alternative shelter is available.
Grants rights to freely use public accommodations, store personal property, and occupy lawfully parked vehicles (cars, RVs) for life-sustaining purposes.
Allows individuals harmed by violations to bring civil actions in court, with potential for litigation costs and attorney's fees to be awarded.
Defines "adequate alternative indoor space" to include accessibility, no charge, accommodation for disabilities, pets, and family, and proper facilities.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4182
Sponsor: Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Process start date: 2025-06-26
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_4182.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-06-26.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Prohibits penalizing homeless individuals for life-sustaining activities (e.g., sleeping, eating) on federal lands if no adequate alternative shelter is available.
  • Grants rights to freely use public accommodations, store personal property, and occupy lawfully parked vehicles (cars, RVs) for life-sustaining purposes.
  • Allows individuals harmed by violations to bring civil actions in court, with potential for litigation costs and attorney's fees to be awarded.
  • Defines "adequate alternative indoor space" to include accessibility, no charge, accommodation for disabilities, pets, and family, and proper facilities.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-22.

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