Bill would bar federal agencies from punishing homeless people on public land
In committeeH.R. 4182Latest action
Sponsor: Pramila Jayapal · Representative · WA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Housing
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 4182 would stop federal agencies from punishing homeless people for surviving on federal land, with limited exceptions.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 4182, the Housing Not Handcuffs Act of 2025, would bar federal agencies from punishing homeless people for basic survival activities like sitting, sleeping, or eating on federal public land. It also protects free movement, food and money sharing, belongings storage, religious practice, and living in a parked vehicle, with vehicle towing protections. Protections don't apply to outdoor sleeping if "adequate alternative indoor space" is offered, a term defined with strict requirements.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects homeless individuals on federal property, federal agencies and officials enforcing anti-camping or loitering rules, and courts handling related cases.
Why does it matter?
The bill creates new legal defenses and lawsuit rights, meaning federal officials could face court action, including from the U.S. Attorney General or harmed individuals, for violating these protections. It applies only to federal land, not state or city property, leaving disagreement over its effect on local enforcement.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 26, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 26, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Natural Resources, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.