AUSTIN, Texas – Back in June 2019 the Austin City Council voted to ease restrictions on camping, sitting, and lying down in public spaces unless it endangers the health and safety.

Activists have long argued fines and warrants related to the ban create barriers for those attempting to exit homelessness.

On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who’s at odds with the city on the camping law and other issues, said if Austin doesn’t reinstate the ban, he will.

“If Austin doesn’t reinstate the ban on homeless camping the state will do it for them,” Abbott wrote. “Contrary to what Austin leaders think no one has a right to urinate & defecate wherever they want. Homelessness promoted by Austin has also endangered public safety."

NEW: Gov. Abbott tweets “if Austin doesn’t reinstate the ban on homeless camping the state will do it for them.” @SpectrumNews1TX pic.twitter.com/jyEnBewPMU

— Matt Mershon (@MattMershonTV) January 20, 2021

The issue could be decided by voters. According to the Save Austin Now coalition, it has gathered enough signatures to place the issue on the May ballot. The group claims to have gathered more than 30,000 signatures when only 20,000 are needed.

Spectrum News 1 in February 2020 spoke with Matt Mackowiak, co-founder of Save Austin Now and chair of the Travis County Republican Party. According to him, lifting the camping ban put those experiencing homelessness at risk.

“We want the homeless community to be safe in Austin. The sad reality is right now it is not safe. That is absolutely clear. In the meantime, public safety, public health, and tourism are being drastically negatively affected because of this policy,” Mackowiak said. 

Austin City Council member Greg Casar, who represents District 4, last year issued the following statement: 

“If the Travis County GOP Chair wants to spend a lot of money, time, and energy on a hurtful campaign that will do nothing to decrease our homeless population, that’s certainly his choice. But if Gov. Greg Abbott and the GOP Chair truly cared about public safety and public health in Austin, they would be working with the Austin City Council to provide housing and services to people experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, it seems clear that they are committed to making matters worse.”