The Texas House of Representatives has given initial approval to a bill that would ban homeless camps state-wide. The measure passed 85-56 Wednesday afternoon.
HB 1925, written by Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), would establish a misdemeanor for camping in an unapproved public place. People could be fined up to $500.
Capriglione called the bill a "humanitarian issue," saying people should not be staying outside in extreme heat or cold.
"Unsheltered individuals are left, literally, out in the cold," he said. "These individuals are mistreated and untreated."
"How can you ask someone for 500 dollars, and they have nothing?" asked Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio.
Gervin-Hawkins and other opponents of the bill said the state should instead fund job training and drug abuse treatment programs.
"Criminalizing involuntary behavior like sleeping does not make it easier for people to escape homelessness," she said.
Capriglione says the bill does not intend to "criminalize" homelessness, saying the measure only intends to protect people.
"Allowing people to live on the street incentivizes them to remain unhoused rather than get the support services they need in permanent housing," he says.
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Last weekend, voters in Austin voted in favor of reinstating a ban on homeless camps that was removed two years ago.
"When voters and votes on this subject happen, voters time and time again agree with the fundamental principles in this bill," Capriglione says. "Public safety and public health are at risk."
The House did add an amendment that would allow camps only if law enforcement officers and healthcare services were provided. Another amendment would require police to notify homeless people of their options for shelter.
The measure has sponsors from both parties. After a final vote, it will move to the Texas Senate.