Kristen Wynne

Under current Washington law, most people charged with crimes are presumed to be released pending trial. But that presumption has limits and requires balancing factors meant to protect the public. A new proposal before the Washington Supreme Court would erase much of that balance. It would even remove the provision allowing judges to deny bail in capital cases — and replace it with the new standard that strongly favors release.

Picture this: tents filling Point Defiance or lining the sidewalk next to your home, but when you call the city for help, you’re told, “There’s nothing we can do.” That’s not hypothetical. That’s HB 2489. HB 2489 would prohibit cities from enforcing camping restrictions unless they can provide a shelter bed for every person experiencing homelessness — along with accommodations for pets, possessions, partners, family members, and support persons.