Rep. Joe Timmons Casts Deciding Vote on HB 2489, Limiting Local Control

An important development for Whatcom County is happening now in Olympia.

HB 2489, a bill that severely limits local governments’ ability to manage camping and encampments in public spaces, passed out of the House Housing Committee on a 9–8 vote. The deciding vote was cast by Representative Joe Timmons, our 42nd District State House Representative and a member of the Housing Committee.

For many cities, those standards in this bill are unrealistic, meaning enforcement is effectively off the table.  The primary concern is this: HB 2489 significantly limits local decision-making authority and shifts key enforcement decisions to state-defined standards and the courts. Cities are left with fewer tools to address safety concerns near schools, parks, libraries, and sidewalks, while still being responsible for the outcomes.

This also comes with real costs to taxpayers. The bill invites legal challenges, increases administrative burden, and exposes cities to attorney fees, all while local governments are already dedicating significant resources to homelessness response and navigating affordability pressures.

This is a sensitive issue that requires thoughtful, flexible, locally informed solutions, not overly prescriptive, one-size-fits-all policy that creates confusion, risk, and unintended consequences.

If you would like to share feedback or ask questions about HB 2489, you can contact Rep. Joe Timmons here and the other Whatcom County legislators in the 42nd and 40th Legislative Districts:

CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS

still time for Rep. Joe Timmons to reconsider his position and support an outcome that respects local decision-making, protects public safety, and ensures responsible use of taxpayer resources.

Thank you for staying engaged.