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The Texas Senate on Thursday approved a bill to ban homeless encampments throughout Texas — a response to the city of Austin lifting a similar local ban two years ago that was recently reinstated by voters.
House Bill 1925 would make camping in an unapproved public place a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The bill calls for law enforcement officers to redirect homeless people to available local resources — such as shelters or nonprofit groups — “before or at the time” they issue a citation.
The House approved the bill earlier this month. The Senate passed the bill, along with two amendments, Thursday and sent the bill back to the House, which can either accept the amendments and send it to the governor or send it to a conference committee to work out the chambers’ differences.
Immediately after the vote, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the bill passed 28-3, but the Senate journal later reported the vote was 27-4.
If the bill becomes law, it will mark the latest instance of the Republican-led state government overruling local ordinances.
www.texastribune.org
House Bill 1925 would make camping in an unapproved public place a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The bill calls for law enforcement officers to redirect homeless people to available local resources — such as shelters or nonprofit groups — “before or at the time” they issue a citation.
The House approved the bill earlier this month. The Senate passed the bill, along with two amendments, Thursday and sent the bill back to the House, which can either accept the amendments and send it to the governor or send it to a conference committee to work out the chambers’ differences.
Immediately after the vote, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the bill passed 28-3, but the Senate journal later reported the vote was 27-4.
If the bill becomes law, it will mark the latest instance of the Republican-led state government overruling local ordinances.
Statewide ban on homeless encampments approved by Texas Senate
The vote comes only weeks after Austin residents voted to reinstate a local public camping ban — two years after it was lifted.
www.texastribune.org
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