FOLLOWUP: Rep. Mia Gregerson calls Burien City Manager’s statements on HB 1380 ‘misleading claims’

State Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–SeaTac) this week is pushing back against what she calls “misleading claims” by Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon regarding House Bill 1380, also known as the Safe Spaces, Strong Communities Act.

As we previously reported, Bailon recently warned that the legislation would expose cities to unnecessary lawsuits and hinder their ability to manage public spaces – a claim Gregerson strongly refutes.

The 33rd District includes almost all of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Kent.

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Clarifying the Intent of HB 1380

Gregerson, a Democrat who represents the 33rd District, said the bill is designed to help cities regulate public spaces fairly, while ensuring laws comply with constitutional protections for people experiencing homelessness.

“Contrary to claims, the bill does not prohibit cities from managing public spaces – it simply ensures that regulations are reasonable and enforceable under constitutional standards,” Gregerson said.

She argues that criminalizing homelessness is costly and ineffective, redirecting resources away from long-term solutions like housing and shelter programs. Instead of encouraging lawsuits, she said the bill provides clear legal guidelines to help cities draft enforceable laws and avoid legal challenges.

Addressing Public Safety and Legal Concerns

Gregerson rejected Bailon’s claim that HB 1380 would lead to an influx of lawsuits, emphasizing that the bill does not allow monetary damages, only legal reviews to ensure policies are applied fairly.

She also stressed that the bill does not strip cities of control over public spaces. Instead, it requires that restrictions on sitting, sleeping, or resting in public spaces be fair and only enforced when alternative shelter options are available – a standard aligned with U.S. Supreme Court rulings and similar laws in Oregon.

“The suggestion that cities will lose control over public spaces is misleading,” Gregerson said. “HB 1380 explicitly allows local governments to regulate public areas while ensuring their regulations do not unfairly penalize people for lacking shelter.”

A Shift Toward Long-Term Solutions

Bailon also claimed HB 1380 does nothing to address homelessness, a statement Gregerson dismissed. She said the bill encourages cities to invest in shelters, housing, and supportive services instead of punitive enforcement.

“Instead of resorting to fear-mongering, we should focus on practical policies that create safer, stronger communities,” she said.

Gregerson encouraged constituents to attend this Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Town Hall at Highline College, where she will discuss the bill’s goals and address concerns directly.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Gregerson’s office.

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Rep. Gregerson’s Email Response

Below is full text of Gregerson’s email to The B-Town Blog, received on Monday, Mar. 10, 2025:

“Recently, Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon shared misleading claims about HB 1380, the Safe Spaces, Strong Communities Act, suggesting it would expose cities to unnecessary lawsuits and undermine public health and safety efforts. These statements misrepresent the bill’s intent and impact.

“HB 1380 provides guidance for local governments to regulate public spaces while ensuring fairness in how laws impact people experiencing homelessness. Contrary to claims, the bill does not prohibit cities from managing public spaces—it simply ensures that regulations are reasonable and enforceable under constitutional standards.

“This bill prevents costly and ineffective criminalization of homelessness. Arresting or fining individuals for sleeping outside does not reduce homelessness; it merely redirects resources away from long-term solutions like housing and shelter programs. Instead of increasing litigation, HB 1380 provides clarity for cities by establishing clear legal standards that help them craft fair and enforceable laws, reducing the likelihood of expensive lawsuits.

“The bill also balances public safety with individual rights. Local governments can continue to regulate the use of public spaces, but restrictions on sleeping, sitting, or resting in public areas must be fair and must not punish people for being homeless when no alternative shelter is available. The legislation aligns with existing legal precedent, following guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court and similar policies in Oregon.

“The City Manager’s claim that this bill will flood cities with lawsuits are false. HB 1380 does not allow monetary damages, only legal challenges to ensure laws are applied fairly. This protects cities from financial liability while ensuring their policies align with constitutional rights. The suggestion that cities will lose control over public spaces is also misleading. HB 1380 explicitly allows local governments to regulate public areas while ensuring their regulations do not unfairly penalize people for lacking shelter.

“Adolfo also argues that HB 1380 does nothing to solve homelessness, yet the bill encourages cities to shift resources away from legal battles and punitive measures toward investments in housing, shelters, and supportive programs—the only proven long-term solutions. Instead of resorting to fear-mongering, we should focus on practical policies that create safer, stronger communities.

“I encourage everyone to attend the March 15 Town Hall at Highline College to hear directly from me about how HB 1380 will provide real solutions for homelessness while protecting public safety and local decision-making.”

“Warm regards,

“Representative Mia Gregerson, She/Her
“33^rd Legislative District”

Normandy Park Mayor Responds to Gregerson’s Proposal

UPDATE Mar. 10, 2025, 10:20 p.m.: We have published a Letter to the Editor from Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman, who calls HB 1380 ‘Activist Legislation’ and urges Rep. Gregerson to withdraw it.