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Federal Way leaders, residents urge state lawmakers to oppose bill they say could limit clearing encampments
Summary
Public commenters and council members at the Feb. 4 Federal Way City Council meeting pressed state leaders to oppose House Bill 1380 and discussed local drug enforcement, praising a downtown drug operation and cold-weather shelter efforts.
Mayor Farrell and members of the Federal Way City Council and several residents used the council meeting on Feb. 4 to press state lawmakers to oppose House Bill 1380 and to describe local public-safety and homelessness responses.
The issue surfaced during the public-comment period, where multiple speakers warned that HB 1380 would make it harder for cities to clear encampments on public property and could expose cities to litigation. Council members said they have already put the bill high on the city’s legislative agenda and that most South King County cities signed a letter opposing the measure.
Why it matters: Speakers said HB 1380’s language is vague and could deter cities from enforcing rules on sitting or sleeping on sidewalks and parks. Council members said that would limit what local governments can do to address visible street homelessness tied in…
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