AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- State lawmakers are considering a statewide public camping ban - the latest example of the Legislature looking to solve Austin's problems for them.
Monday, the Senate's Local Government Committee is considering a bill that would establish the statewide ban, creating a Class C misdemeanor for those who violate it.
The statewide proposals - including an identical bill under consideration in the House - have drawn support from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
"We cannot sit idly by and allow Texas families and businesses to suffer the economic and public health consequences that these encampments bring into our cities," Abbott said. "These pieces of legislation provide a uniform policy for the entire state that will hold cities accountable to develop meaningful and compassionate long-term solutions to support those experiencing homelessness."
As written, Senate Bill 987 would only allow for local governments to enact stricter ordinances above and beyond the state law. Local governments would also be able to provide designated spaces on government-owned property for camping.
Austin leaders are against the statewide proposal, much like its local counterpart on the May 1 ballot.
"This bill, like Proposition B, offers no help and no solution," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a statement. "We can and must do better to get people out of tents, not merely to move their tents out of sight. SB 987 is not the answer."