WA SB5028

Prohibits camping on any public property in Washington unless specifically authorized, responding to the U.S. Supreme Court's Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024) decision

Bans camping at all times within three blocks of congregate shelters (with posted signs) and within 1,000 feet of parks, day care centers, schools regardless of shelter availability

Establishes escalating penalties: first violation is $50 fine, second violation is $250 fine plus 180-day ban from the location, third violation is a misdemeanor

Requires law enforcement to verify that a nearby 24/7 low-barrier shelter had available space in the previous 24 hours before issuing criminal citations for camping

Mandates cite-and-release rather than jail booking, with referrals to therapeutic courts for eligible individuals