Texas Bill Banning Homeless Encampments In Public Moves Forward
The Texas House of Representatives has advanced a bill that would prohibit homeless encampments in public spaces throughout the state.
On Wednesday, the state House passed the legislation making camping in an unapproved public area a Class C violation punishable by a $500 fine.
It will then be transmitted to the Texas Senate after receiving full approval from the House.
Texas House advances bill that would ban homeless encampments in public. https://t.co/fWTsQIwTdL
— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) May 7, 2021
“There’s still no one, literally no one, that believes that people living outside without shelters is right. This is a humanitarian issue, plain and simple,” Republican state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, who authored the bill said.
“This bill helps individuals, families, and business owners across the state who are unduly subjected to violent or hazardous activity linked to the rise in public camping.”
According to reports, the statewide ban was passed by a vote of 85-56, with Democrats providing the majority of the opposition, despite the fact that the bill has supporters from both parties.
The bill was introduced just days after Austin, the state capital, reinstated a ban on encampments that had been lifted two years before.
Critics of the ban’s repeal claimed that it has resulted in an increase in tent camps in Austin, which has a homeless population of about 10,000 people.
“We need more state dollars going to substance use disorder programs, job training programs, and rental assistance,” said Democratic State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who was against the proposal.
“If we truly want to end homelessness, we need to address the root causes, not just sweep the homeless population back into the woods,” she added.
Before the House vote, Capriglione pointed out that an amendment to the measure would allow homeless encampments in cases where local authorities would provide a police presence, mental health treatment, and childcare to those who remain in the camps.
Another amendment allows authorities to inform residents staying in the camps of possible accommodation opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Texas Legislature is considering bills that would ban homeless encampments statewide. House Bill 1925 and Senate Bill 987 would make camping in an unapproved public place a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.https://t.co/mMQKyvZVh0
— KETK NEWS (@KETK) May 3, 2021
The bill is set to pass the House this week, before being transmitted to the state’s Senate where it will be considered before being sent to Republican Governor Greg Abbott for final approval or veto.
The ACLU of Texas’ reform and lobbying strategist, Nick Hudson, said the organization is “closely monitoring” what happens with the bill.
“Criminalizing Texans who are trying to meet their basic needs is unconstitutional,” Hudson argued. “Courts have found that it is unconstitutional to criminalize someone for sleeping or camping outside when they have no place else to go.”
