Congress·Reported·H.R. 5163

Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act

Congress Moves to Ban Camping on Public Property in Washington, D.C., With Fines and Possible Jail Time

Oct 14, 2025·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

StalledNext up: The HouseNo action in 9 months

This bill is waiting for a vote by the full House of Representatives after being approved by a committee. It has been stalled since October 2025 with no new actions taken for eight months. The House leadership must decide to schedule a floor vote for the bill to move forward.

Legislative Progress

House

No action since October 2025

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Makes it illegal to camp outdoors on public property in Washington, D.C., unless you have legal permission.
Defines “camping” broadly, including using tents, tarps, or other temporary shelters, and sleeping or preparing to sleep.
Covers sleeping in a motor vehicle or preparing to sleep outside a vehicle if it’s treated like bedding or a sleeping setup.
Sets penalties up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both for violations.

HousingCriminal JusticeConsumer Protection

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(2)

Housing Assistance

Hurts

Criminal Record

Hurts

State Impacts

District of ColumbiaDC

Mixed

The bill directly changes DC law to make camping outdoors on public property a punishable offense (up to $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail), with a broad definition covering tents, tarps, bedding, and sleeping in a vehicle. This could reduce visible encampments in some areas but likely increases enforcement, court, and jail workload and raises risks for unhoused residents.

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions

Oct 14, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Oct 14, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-342.

Sep 10, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Sep 10, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 4, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act

Bill NumberHR 5163

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.