Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5163

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:26:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act" (H.R. 5163) aims to prevent unauthorized camping on public property in the District of Columbia (DC) to maintain clean, safe, and orderly public areas.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition: It is illegal for any person, without legal permission, to camp outdoors on public property in DC.
• Penalties: Violators face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
• Definition of Camping: The law defines "camping" as setting up, using, or maintaining temporary shelters (such as tents or tarps) for living or sleeping purposes. This includes sleeping or preparing to sleep inside or outside a motor vehicle, or laying out bedding materials like sleeping bags or blankets.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 824 of the DC Code (specifically section 22-3302), which previously addressed related public order issues, by adding a new subsection (c).
• Introduces a specific ban on camping activities, which were not explicitly prohibited or defined in this way before, expanding enforcement options for public space violations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DC law enforcement and local agencies (like the Metropolitan Police Department) will need to enforce the new rule, potentially increasing patrols and arrests in public areas. This could strain resources for handling minor offenses.
• On Citizens: May disproportionately affect homeless individuals or those temporarily without shelter, limiting their access to public spaces for resting. It could encourage use of designated shelters or services but might lead to fines or jail time for non-compliance.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill is limited to domestic DC public property.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Homeless and Low-Income Residents: Primary group impacted, as the ban targets activities often associated with lack of housing.
• DC Government and Law Enforcement: Responsible for implementation, enforcement, and potential legal challenges.
• General Public and Visitors: Benefits from cleaner public spaces (e.g., parks, sidewalks) but may see increased policing in shared areas.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on housing, civil rights, or homelessness may engage in response efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens DC's public nuisance laws by providing clear definitions and penalties, making it easier to prosecute related offenses in court.
• Constitutional: Could raise questions about equal protection (if enforcement targets vulnerable groups unevenly) or due process (regarding what constitutes "lawful authority" for exceptions), though the bill itself does not address these.
• Political: Represents federal oversight of DC affairs, as Congress has authority over the district; it may spark debates on balancing public order with social welfare needs like addressing homelessness.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.
• 2025-10-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-342.
• 2025-10-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-342.
• 2025-09-10: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.
• 2025-09-10: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To prohibit camping on public property in the District of Columbia. — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (2 pages)
• Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act — issued 2025-10-14 — PDF (4 pages)