Report from Rep. Zahn's 1/31 Listening Session
COMMUNITYOLYMPIA UPDATE
On January 31st, 2026 State Representative Janice Zahn (D-41) hosted a community listening session to discuss issues of concern to the Mercer Island Community, including the evolving landscape of legislation addressing housing.
At her January 31, 2025 listening session with Islanders, State Representative Janice Zahn discussed a number of issues of concern to Island residents. When questioned about HB 2489, Zahn quickly pointed out that there was already a Substitute House Bill 2489 (SHB 2489) in place. As many Islanders know, the original version of this bill raised questions about how smaller, space-constrained cities would navigate state-mandated shelter requirements. In particular, the original wording of the bill likely would mandate creating shelter space within city limits in order to enforce rules prohibiting overnight camping in parks. Representative Zahn used the session to highlight key changes in the substitute version (H-3290.1/26) that directly address concerns expressed from constituents.
Key Changes in SHB 2489: What Islanders Need to Know
The new substitute bill introduces three critical shifts designed to balance compassionate outreach with public safety and municipal reality:
1. A Regional Approach to Shelter Capacity
Perhaps the most significant change for a geographically limited city like Mercer Island is the shift toward Interlocal Agreements. Under the updated bill, cities are authorized to work together under an Interlocal Cooperation Act.
Why this matters: Instead of a mandate requiring every city to build shelter space within its own borders, Mercer Island can now participate in a regional coordinated entry system. This allows the Island to contribute to and utilize regional shelter capacity, ensuring that the burden of construction is shared and placed in areas where it makes the most sense for the individuals being served.
2. Preserving Law Enforcement Authority
One of the most frequent concerns raised by residents involves the interplay between shelter mandates and public safety. Rep. Zahn clarified that SHB 2489 now includes an explicit specification that the bill does not limit or restrict the enforcement of criminal offenses. Whether it is the state criminal code or other laws related to crimes and punishments, local law enforcement retains its authority. This ensures that the bill remains a tool for social service coordination without creating legal "blind spots" for criminal activity.
3. The "Refusal and Safety" Clause
In previous discussions, a major point of contention was what happens when a city offers help that is rejected. The substitute bill provides clarity:
Refusal of Service: If an individual refuses to use an offered, accessible shelter space, the city is not considered in violation of the bill.
Safety Exclusions: If an individual’s conduct results in their exclusion from a shelter for documented safety reasons, the city is similarly protected.
These changes recognize that local governments cannot be held responsible for the inability to provide shelter if the individual in question refuses the help or poses a danger to others.
The Path Forward
The session underscored the importance of local advocacy, constructive engagement, and finding workable solutions to problems. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all mandate and toward a regional, safety-conscious framework, SHB 2489 seeks to create a sustainable path for both the unhoused population and the communities they live in.
Find Substitute HB 2489's language here.
As the bill moves through the House, Talk On The Rock will continue to monitor how these changes affect Mercer Island.