Republicans warn camping bills could expose schools and parks to hazards and create legal risk for cities

Olympia — Republican leaders raised concerns about recent house housing measures that, as introduced, would restrict local governments’ ability to move people camping in public spaces and allow private lawsuits against cities that move unhoused people without first offering a shelter bed.

House Republican floor leader April Connors told reporters that one camping bill would require jurisdictions to offer a shelter bed and move an individual into that bed before taking action to relocate them. ‘‘If the homeless person feels like there wasn’t a bed or shelter space…that the city could be sued,’’ she said, describing a private right to sue local governments as a central and troubling feature.

Connors and other Republicans said committee amendments they supported — including language to prohibit camping near schools or on school grounds and in city parks where children play — were voted down by Democrats in committee. Speakers described firsthand concerns from constituents about safety and sanitation near schools and parks.

Republican leaders said they tried a series of amendments in the House housing committee to limit camping near schools and parks but that those amendments failed. They framed the bills as raising practical questions about how cities would handle people who do not want to be moved and about municipal liability should shelter options be unavailable.

Leaders said they will continue to press for public-safety safeguards while watching related hearings elsewhere in the Legislature.