HB 5163 would prohibit camping on public property in the District of Columbia by amending the District of Columbia Code. It adds a new subsection to Section 824, defining camping and establishing criminal penalties for violations.
The act is titled the Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act and targets camping activity in DC’s public spaces.
At a Glance
What It Does
The bill adds a new subsection to DC Code Section 824 that bans camping on public property in DC, defines camping, and sets penalties (fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both).
Who It Affects
Directly affects anyone who camps on DC public property; enforcement falls to DC law enforcement and code- enforcement bodies responsible for DC public spaces.
Why It Matters
It provides a clear, enforceable standard for public-space management in DC, aiming to reduce hazards and improve space usability for residents and visitors.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The bill amends DC law to ban camping on public property within the District. It adds a new subsection to the DC Code that defines what counts as camping—covering tents, temporary shelters, and sleeping activities in or outside vehicles—and attaches penalties for violations.
The penalties are a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The short title of the act is the Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act, and enforcement would follow the amended DC Code provisions.
The goal is to create a clear, enforceable rule to keep public spaces usable and safe while delineating the consequences for violations.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill adds a new subsection (c)(1) to the DC Code (Section 824) prohibiting camping on public property.
‘Camping’ is defined to include tents, temporary shelters, and sleeping activities inside or outside vehicles.
Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days’ imprisonment, or both.
The prohibition applies specifically to public property in the District of Columbia.
The act is titled the Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Every bill we cover gets an analysis of its key sections.
Short Title
This section designates the act’s official name. It states that the bill may be cited as the Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act.
Prohibition on camping on public property in DC
This section amends Section 824 of the DC Code by adding a new subsection (c)(1) that makes camping on public property without lawful authority unlawful, with penalties of up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days’ imprisonment, or both. It also provides a definition of camping in subsection (c)(2), covering tents, tarps, temporary shelters, and sleeping activities inside or outside a motor vehicle. The overall effect is a clear, enforceable standard for prohibiting camping on DC public property and enabling its enforcement under DC’s existing legal framework.
This bill is one of many.
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Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- Public space users in DC (pedestrians, families, event-goers) benefit from clearer rules and more usable parks, sidewalks, and plazas.
- DC public space management agencies (e.g., departments responsible for parks, streets, and public order) gain a clearer enforcement framework that can reduce encampments and improve space maintenance.
- Local businesses near public spaces may see improved customer experience and safety perceptions due to cleaner, more accessible areas.
Who Bears the Cost
- People who camp on DC public property face criminal penalties (fines and potential jail time) under the new subsection.
- DC law enforcement and city agencies will incur costs related to enforcement, monitoring, and potential court proceedings.
- Homeless services providers may experience shifts in demand for shelter and support, as enforcement efforts interact with existing homelessness policy.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central tension is between maintaining safe, usable public spaces and addressing homelessness humanely and effectively. The bill pushes enforcement to reduce encampments, but without accompanying support structures or funding, it risks displacing vulnerable individuals without offering sustainable alternatives.
The bill creates a new prohibition that could affect vulnerable populations, raising questions about enforcement balance, resource implications, and the need for adequate shelter and support options. While it provides a clear legal standard for camping on DC public property, the text offers limited detail on exemptions, civil rights considerations, or funding for enforcement and social services.
Practical implementation will require coordination among DC agencies, law enforcement, and service providers to avoid unintended consequences and ensure compliance without compromising essential services.
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