By State Sen. Dawn Buckingham
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – As a dedicated fighter against government overreach and in response to increasing crime and concern over public health stemming from cities that allow those experiencing homelessness to camp in public, Sen. Dawn Buckingham has filed legislation that would prohibit cities in Texas from doing so.
After the City of Austin rescinded its camping ban, trash, hypodermic needles, feces, and more continue to collect on the city’s sidewalks, trails, and parks posing a significant threat to public safety and public health. SB 987 creates an offense for those that are intentionally camping in public places without the consent of an officer.
While filing the legislation, Sen. Buckingham released the following statement:
“As a dedicated fighter against government overreach, I am proud to have filed SB 987 to protect Texans from activist, agenda-driven City Councils who put their citizens in danger and destroy their cities.
"When cities like Austin refuse to act on the homeless camping situation that continues to get worse and jeopardizes the safety of its citizens, the state has a duty to step in to protect its people.
"While we should prioritize the well-being of those experiencing homelessness through better access to social services and workforce development, especially on the local level, allowing camping in public places is not the answer. Too many times have we seen innocent bystanders harassed, attacked, and even assaulted by those publicly camping in our streets, and the time has come to finally put an end to this lawless charade.
"SB 987 will prohibit camping in our streets, trails, and parks, and will finally give Texans peace of mind when walking with their children to dinner in downtown Austin.”
