As Austin Voters Weigh Camping Ban Proposition, Texas Lawmakers Consider Bills to Prohibit Homeless Encampments Statewide

Texas camping ban

Legislation passed by the Texas House on Monday would prohibit homeless encampments throughout the state. Credit: Montinique Monroe for The Texas Tribune


This article was first published at Texastribune.org:

If the Legislation Is Approved and Signed by the Governor, Cities Could Lose State Grant Money for Failing to Enforce a New Statewide Encampment Ban

Austin Voters to Decide on Camping Ban

‘It Ties Their Hands’

“Criminalizing Texans who are trying to meet their basic needs is unconstitutional. Under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it is cruel and unusual to punish someone for status they cannot control, such as experiencing homelessness,” Hudson said. “Courts have found that it is unconstitutional to criminalize someone for sleeping or camping outside when they have no place else to go.”


The Texas Tribune

The Texas Tribune

           

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Related Topics



Invisible People is the only nonprofit newsroom dedicated exclusively to the issue of homelessness and related topics. We bring you daily original news on the growing homeless crisis, affordable housing, and the criminalization of homelessness. Join us to explore solutions and stay informed on this urgent issue with our unique coverage.



Get the Invisible People newsletter


RECENT STORIES

homeless man Manchester, New Hampshire

Anthony

Where Will She Go? Homeless Woman's Heartbreaking Struggle.

Kellie

Homeless Veteran's ID Taken by Police Stripped of Access to Shelter

Ken

Homeless Man Across from the White House

Milton


RECENT ARTICLES

Investors buying single family homes is increasing homelessness

How Corporate Greed Fuels Homelessness

Policy changes to end homelessness

Six Policy Changes to End Homelessness

public transportation

Is It Time to Consider Enacting a Transportation Safety Net?

Tenant protections must increase as Evictions climb

Advocates Call on Biden Administration to Increase Tenant Protections as Evictions Climb

Get the Invisible People newsletter