SEATTLE -- A bill making its way through the Washington state Legislature is aimed at limiting a city or county's ability to restrict visits by Tent City.
Earlier this month, Mercer Island began a new an ordinance that prohibits neighboring temples and churches on the island from hosting the homeless encampment Tent City more than once every year and a half.
But now, that ordinance, and others like it, may be overturned.
In 2008, the Mercer Island Methodist church hosted Tent City 4. Even though the three-month stay went smoothly, the city later crafted an ordinance limiting the number of Tent City visits to one every 18 months within a quarter-mile radius.
"Really it's a matter of equity and balancing out the needs of the churches and the needs of the community," said James Mason.
Mercer Island is now one of more than half a dozen Western Washington cities, including Bothell, SeaTac and Issaquah, with ordinances in place limiting the ability of the faith-based community to host the homeless encampments.
In response, State Representative Brendan Williams drafted House Bill 1956, which limits the amount cities or counties can restrict or interfere with a church or temple's ability to host the homeless.
"I want to clarify that the right of religious free exercise allows churches in cities to provide a shelter to the homeless as part of their religious mission," said Brendan Williams.
Mercer Island is far from the only city with temporary encampment ordinances in place. Other cities include Bothell, Issaquah, Redmond and SeaTac.
The bill proposed by Rep. Williams has already passed the House and is scheduled to be heard before a Senate subcommittee today at 3:30 p.m.
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