Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
HB 2589
Brief Description: Addressing encampments at institutions of higher education.
Sponsors: Representative Leavitt.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits any person or individual from establishing an encampment at an institution of higher education without authorization.
Hearing Date: 1/28/26
Staff: Elizabeth Rehn (786-7129).
Background:

Registered student organizations are organizations that facilitate the interests of the student body and that are registered with an institution of higher education.  Membership in registered student organizations is generally limited to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Recognized bargaining units at four-year institutions of higher education and community and technical colleges typically cover faculty, staff, and student employees in a variety of matters including curriculum, wages, and benefits.

 

Institutions of higher education establish and operate student codes of conduct which outline certain requirements and prohibit certain behaviors and actions.
Summary of Bill:

A person or organization is prohibited from using an institution of higher education's campus to camp except under certain approved circumstances.  An individual or organization that wishes to establish such an encampment must notify the institution 21 days prior to the establishment of the encampment.  Only registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units in good standing may request authorization.  An institution may authorize or deny the encampment based on the time, place, or manner of the encampment in a content-neutral process to prevent the disruption to education and other institutional activities.  Any permitted encampment must serve an academic purpose.

 

If an individual violates the institution's policies on encampments, a representative from the institution is directed to take specified action to dismantle and remove the encampment, including taking disciplinary action against the student or organization.

 

A law enforcement agency, peace officer, or institutional campus security may remove an encampment and any individual or organization from the campus who has violated the prohibition on encampments and refuses to comply with the direction to leave.

 

An individual is liable for all damages caused by their unauthorized encampment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2026.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.