The Texas House advanced a bill that would ban homeless encampments in public places statewide.
“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.” said state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, who authored the bill. “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.”
The legislation passed by the state’s House Wednesday would make it a Class C misdemeanor to camp in an unapproved public space, with violators subject to a fine of $500. Once gaining final approval from the House, it will move on to the state’s Senate.
The legislation comes just days after Austin, the state’s capital, reinstated a ban on the encampments that it had initially removed two years ago. Critics of the ban’s removal say that it led to a surge in tent cities in Austin, a city with an estimated homeless population of around 10,000.
AUSTIN VOTES TO REINSTATE PUBLIC CAMPING BAN IN URBAN AREAS
The new statewide ban was passed by an 85-56 vote, with most Democrats in opposition.
“We need more state dollars going to substance use disorder programs, job training programs, and rental assistance,” said Democratic State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who opposed the legislation. “If we truly want to end homelessness, we need to address the root causes, not just sweep the homeless population back into the woods.”
Capriglione added an amendment to the bill that would allow homeless encampments in situations where local authorities can provide a police presence, mental health services, and healthcare provisions for people staying in the camps. Another amendment requires officials to advise people living in the camps where housing options are available.
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The bill is expected to be passed on Thursday before moving to the Senate, and if passed there, it would move to Gov. Greg Abbott’s for final approval or veto.
