Bill would ban outdoor camping on public land in Washington, D.C.
Placed on the calendarH.R. 5163Latest action
Sponsor: William R. Timmons IV · Representative · SC
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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H.R. 5163 would ban camping on D.C. public property, with fines up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
H.R. 5163 would make it illegal to camp on public property anywhere in Washington, D.C. Camping is broadly defined as using materials like tents, tarps, or sleeping bags to set up a temporary living space. Violators could face fines up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Who does it affect?
The bill mainly affects people experiencing homelessness who use outdoor camping for shelter, as well as protesters or activists who set up temporary encampments. D.C. police, local officials, and social services would be responsible for enforcement.
Why does it matter?
The bill does not include funding or requirements for alternative housing or shelter for those displaced. Because D.C. is not a state, Congress can pass laws applying directly to it, unlike other U.S. cities.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Fines up to $500
- Jail up to 30 days
- No funding for alternative shelter
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 4, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Oct 14, 2025
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.