Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025

Protection of basic needs: Homeless individuals can conduct life-sustaining activities like eating, drinking, sleeping, and protecting themselves from the elements without being penalized (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(h)(3)).

Freedom of movement and social interaction: The bill allows individuals to move freely in places of public accommodation and to solicit or accept donations (Section 2(b)(2) and Section 2(b)(3)).

Property rights and privacy: Individuals can store personal property and enjoy privacy to a degree similar to a private dwelling, protected from unreasonable search and seizure (Section 2(b)(4)).

Vehicle protections: People can occupy lawfully parked motor vehicles or recreational vehicles, and they have the right to relocate these vehicles before they are cited or towed, or retrieve them at a free or reduced rate based on ability to pay (Section 2(b)(6) and Section 2(b)(7)).

Religious freedom: The act protects the right of individuals to pray, meditate, worship, or practice religion while on public land (Section 2(b)(5)).

Legal recourse and enforcement: The Attorney General and individual citizens have the right to bring civil actions against government officials or agencies that violate these protections, with the ability to recover litigation costs and attorney's fees (Section 2(e)(1) and Section 2(e)(2)).

Legal defense against criminal charges: The bill provides a "necessity defense" for individuals charged with crimes related to life-sustaining activities if they lacked access to adequate indoor space (Section 2(f)(1)).

Restrictions on using public land: The right to use public land for life-sustaining activities is not absolute; it is prohibited if "adequate alternative indoor space" is available (Section 2(c)).

Strict requirements for indoor space: For an alternative space to be considered "adequate," it must meet specific criteria regarding accessibility, cost, and the ability to accommodate disabilities, pets, partners, and possessions (Section 2(d)(1)(A)).