Bill · H.R. 5163· House(119-HR-5163)
Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act
- Introduced
- 9/4/2025
- Last activity
- 10/14/2025 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.
- Sponsored by
- William Timmons
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The "Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act" prohibits camping on public property in the District of Columbia. It amends the D.C. Official Code to make camping without lawful authority illegal. People who violate this rule can be fined up to $500, jailed for up to 30 days, or both. The bill defines camping as using temporary structures like tents or tarps for living or sleeping. It also includes sleeping inside or outside of motor vehicles.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
Reducing camping in public spaces often benefits nearby commercial interests.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+4
Aims to keep public spaces clean and managed by prohibiting unauthorized camping.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+3
Residents of D.C. may see an increase in the availability and cleanliness of public spaces.
The opposite· 3 of 14
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-9
Specifically targets and penalizes the most vulnerable who rely on public spaces for shelter.
Is this likely to reduce homelessness?-8
Does not provide housing solutions and instead penalizes the act of being homeless in public.
Does this make housing cost less?-7
Criminalizes the result of a lack of affordable housing without providing alternatives.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Clean and Managed Public Spaces: The short title of the act suggests the goal is to keep public spaces clean and managed (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties: Individuals who camp on public property without lawful authority face a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days (Section 2).
- Broad Definition of Camping: The ban applies to a wide range of activities, including using tents, tarps, sleeping bags, or blankets for bedding, as well as sleeping in or near motor vehicles (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Reduces Homelessness-8Improves Affordable Housing-7Improves Poverty Reduction-6Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-5Improves Policing Reform-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Billionaires+2Good For High Income Households+2Good For High Net Worth Individuals+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+2Good For Low Income Households-9Good For Immigrants-4Good For People With Disabilities-4Good For Veterans-4Good For African Americans-3Good For Hispanic Americans-3Good For L G B T Q Community-3Good For Native Americans-3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process-4
- 10/14/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-342.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.
- 9/10/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.
- 9/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Introduced in House