relating to property. Providing that individuals may sleep on property they own or have a legal right to occupy.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jodi Newell

CACR 16 would enshrine a constitutional right to sleep on property you own or legally occupy, shaping bans, trespass rules, and local enforcement once approved by voters.

Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass

Overview

CACR 16 is a proposed constitutional amendment described as relating to property, specifically providing that individuals may sleep on property they own or have a legal right to occupy. The bill is classified as a constitutional amendment and is intended for introduction and referral to the House committee on Housing. Current status shows:
- Introduced: December 1, 2025
- To be introduced: January 7, 2026
- Referred to: Housing

As a constitutional amendment, approval would ultimately require consideration and ratification by voters.

Purpose and Intent

The core intent appears to be affirming or clarifying the right of individuals to sleep on property they own or on property for which they hold a legal right to occupy.

This provision would limit or modify existing restrictions or regulations that restrict sleeping on private property, subject to the scope of a constitutional amendment.

Key Provisions (as inferred)

Note: The full text is not provided, but the bill’s intent suggests the following likely elements:
- A declarative clause establishing a constitutional right for property owners or those with a legal occupancy right to sleep on that property.
- Possible boundaries related to the right (e.g., private property, dwellings, or other occupancy contexts) would be determined by the final text and any accompanying statutory definitions.
- The measure would operate at the constitutional level, potentially superseding conflicting local ordinances to the extent permitted by the state constitution.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Property Owners: Individuals who own property would gain or formalize the right for themselves or others with occupancy rights to sleep on the property, subject to any constitutional limits.

Occupants with Legal Rights: People who have a legal right to occupy property (e.g., residents, tenants, licensees) would benefit by a recognized right to sleep on the property.

Local Governments/Authorities: Municipalities and counties might need to adjust or revisit local ordinances, zoning rules, or enforcement practices that regulate sleeping on private property.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety: Potential changes in how sleeping on private property is treated under law could affect enforcement priorities and practices, particularly around trespass and occupancy.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

As a constitutional amendment, passage requires legislative action and, ultimately, voter approval.

Current timeline indicates:

Introduced: Dec 1, 2025
To be introduced and referred to the Housing committee on Jan 7, 2026

After legislative approval, the amendment would typically appear on a statewide ballot for voter referendum, with timing dependent on the state’s constitutional amendment process.

Observations and Considerations

The exact scope, definitions, and limitations will depend on the final text of CACR 16. Key questions include:

Does the amendment apply universally to all private property, or are there exceptions (e.g., protected property, public safety concerns, nuisance provisions)?
How does this interact with existing trespass, nuisance, or public health/safety laws?
What mechanisms ensure conflicts with other rights (e.g., property rights, landlord-tenant laws) are balanced?

Readers should monitor the bill’s full language and committee analyses for precise definitions and any fiscal or enforcement implications.

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