Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill stops federal agencies from punishing homeless people for doing basic things to survive on federal land. This includes activities like sleeping, sitting, eating, or protecting themselves from the weather in places like federal parks, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• The law would protect the right of homeless individuals to move freely in public areas and ask for donations like food or money. It also says they have a right to privacy for their personal belongings, meaning their bags or tents cannot be searched or taken without a good reason, just like a private home.
• People living in cars or RVs on federal land would be protected from having their vehicles towed right away. They would be given a chance to move their vehicle first, and if it is towed, they could get it back for free or at a lower cost if they cannot afford the full fee.
• Federal agencies could only stop people from sleeping on public land if there is a truly 'adequate' indoor shelter available. To count as adequate, the shelter must be free, allow pets and partners to stay together, and provide a place to cook and stay warm or cool.
• If a homeless person is charged with a crime for being on federal land, they can use the lack of available shelter as a legal defense. The bill also allows the government or individuals to sue federal officials who violate these new protections.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.