AUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s newly passed public camping ban ordinance takes effect on Tuesday but you’re unlikely to see any immediate changes.
What You Need To Know
- Voters on May 1 passed Austin's Prop B, which bans public camping
- Ordinance takes effect on May 11 and enforcement to be rolled out in four phases
- Phases start with verbal warnings and will eventually include arrests and the clearing of encampments
- Police to partner with several agencies to provide outreach to those experiencing homelessness
In what was seen as a sharp rebuke of the 2019 camping ban reversal by Austin City Council, voters on May 1, by about 57%, approved Proposition B, which reinstates the ban on camping by those experiencing homelessness.
What’s been unclear up to now is exactly how the city will go about enforcing the ordinance.
According to the city, enforcement will roll out in four distinct phases. The plan was developed with the input of the Austin Police Department, the Homeless Strategy Division, the Homeless Outreach Street Team, the Downtown Austin Community Court, the Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Resource Recovery and other agencies.
Phase One
Beginning on May 11 Austin police will give verbal warnings concerning the ban except in cases of imminent threat to health or safety. Officers will also provide resources to those experiencing homelessness. The phase will last for 30 days.
Phase Two
In Phase Two, which will also last for 30 days, officers will begin issuing written warnings and what the city described as “initial citations.”
Phase Three
In the third phase, officers will begin making arrests and clearing encampments when compliance does not occur following the issuance of citations.
Phase Four
In the fourth phase arrests and citations will continue. Officers will additionally coordinate with homelessness outreach teams and provide people experiencing homelessness with information concerning options for storing personal items and alternate campsites and shelters.
