KERA News
Trash bags and suitcases sit on the sidewalk at Camp Rhonda, a homeless encampment in Dallas on Feb. 23, 2021. The city told the camp's residents that they needed to clear out because the area wasn't zoned for residential living.
Texas lawmakers are considering bills that would ban homeless encampments statewide, which some critics say would be harmful to individuals experiencing homelessness.
The proposed bills HB 1925 and SB 987 would make camping in unapproved public places a Class C misdemeanor, punishable with up to a $500 fine.
Legislation such as SB 987 came after Gov. Greg Abbott declared homeless encampments would be a priority item taken up during this legislative session.