Federal Way leaders, residents urge state lawmakers to oppose bill they say could limit clearing encampments

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 many cases to public drug use and trespass.

Public comments at the meeting included a range of concerns. Anna Patrick, who identified herself as monitoring proposed legislation, said HB 1380 “will make it hard for us to clear camps on public property” and predicted the law would favor wealthier cities that can defend lawsuits. Another speaker warned that similar state laws had already prompted costly settlements elsewhere.

Council response: Mayor Farrell and Council President Coachemar said the city has made HB 1380 a top priority for its lobbyists. Coachemar said the city had circulated and signed a regional letter opposing the bill and will raise the matter with state legislators during Association of Washington Cities (AWC) legislative activities. Council Member Honda said “nearly every city in South King County” had signed the letter opposing 13-80 and that local elected officials were coordinating further action.

Local public-safety context: Several residents also praised recent police and community responses to drug-related public-safety issues. Susan Strong noted a Jan. 24 Federal Way Police special-operation drug sweep that resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of more than 100 suspected fentanyl pills and several grams of suspected methamphetamine. Jeffrey Cancredi and others urged stronger state penalties and expansion of treatment and drug-court options.

Homelessness services: Residents and city officials described local shelter and outreach work. Vivian Alexander, a long-time Federal Way resident, described a mayor-led visit to Auburn’s permanent supportive-housing and day-center operations and urged emulation of that model’s approach to dignity and accountability. Mayor Farrell praised Fusion’s cold-weather shelter at the Pete Anderson facility, saying the organization had “literally saved lives” by bringing people in during freezing nights and coordinating hotel vouchers when capacity approached its 20–24-bed limit.

Next steps: Council members said some will attend AWC legislative days and meet state legislators to urge opposition to HB 1380; staff and the city’s lobbyists have already placed the bill on the city’s top priorities list. No formal council ordinance or vote on HB 1380 took place at the Feb. 4 meeting.

Community reaction and caveats: Commenters expressed strong views about enforcement and treatment policy. Council leaders stressed they would press lawmakers for clearer, workable language to avoid unintended litigation. The city’s formal legislative outreach and any future council resolutions or letters were described as forthcoming.