WA Senator Pushes for Safer Shelter Homes

Legislation aims to ensure emergency shelters made from kits stay safe over time.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, is working to pass two bills related to affordable housing and emergency shelters. One bill would help certify kit home construction, while the other would require regular five-year inspections for kit structures used as emergency shelter, such as the now closed tiny homes of Longview's HOPE Village.

Why it matters

This legislation is important to ensure the safety and quality of emergency shelter options, especially as communities increasingly turn to alternative housing solutions like kit homes and tiny homes to address homelessness. Regular inspections can help identify any structural or safety issues before they become major problems.

The details

Senate Bill 5249 would allow cities and counties to use kit homes for emergency shelter, but would require them to adopt processes for inspecting the kit homes at least every five years. This is aimed at ensuring the structures meet sufficient life, health and safety standards over time. The bill is currently in the final step before moving to the Senate for a vote, with a Tuesday deadline to pass.

  • Senate Bill 5249 must pass its vote on the Senate floor by 5 p.m. Tuesday to remain viable.
  • The bill was placed on the Senate's second reading calendar, so it is at the final step before moving to the Senate for a vote.

The players

Jeff Wilson

A Republican state senator from Longview, Washington who is working to pass the two bills related to affordable housing and emergency shelters.

HOPE Village

A former emergency shelter in Longview, Washington that used tiny homes made from kits, which has since closed.

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What they’re saying

“The legislation could apply to places such as HOPE Village, and described the bill as a matter of ensuring the pallet structures remain safe shelter as they age.”

— Jeff Wilson, State Senator (tri-cityherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the bill to move forward for a Senate vote.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the growing need to ensure the safety and quality of alternative emergency housing solutions, like kit homes and tiny homes, as communities increasingly turn to these options to address homelessness. Regular inspections can help identify and address any structural or safety issues before they become major problems.