AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Sunday night via Twitter stated that if Austin or any other Texas city permits camping on city streets by ordinance he will step in and override it.
- City Council voted to ease homeless ordinances
- Gov. Greg Abbott said state will step in to prevent homeless camping on streets
- City Council also voted to purchase building to use as shelter
He further stated there are “far better solutions for the homeless & citizens," and that the move would pose a threat to public safety.
The tweet followed a move Friday by Austin City council to change some of the city’s homeless ordinances.
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About 2 a.m. Friday members voted to ease restrictions on sitting, lying down, and camping unless it threatens public safety.
Those opposed cited concerns about safety and increased litter.
City Council also reworked language on panhandling to include all “aggressive confrontations.”
City Council earlier in the week approved the purchase of a building in South Austin to be used as a homeless shelter.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler about noon Monday responded to Abbott's tweet, stating Austin "could be a national model and the State could be a constructive, proud partner."
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