Prop B Passed. Now What?
What the camping ban means for Austin, where the unhoused can go, and how you can help.
What Happened
The Stats
Around 23% of eligible voters participated in this election. Note: this stat is only representative of Travis County. Williamson and Hays county also had small percentages in this vote. You can view those results here and here.
About 40% of yes votes were republican. More than half of democratic voters also voted for prop b. Note: I don’t have access to the data to verify these stats, however I feel very confident that they are accurate.
The Four Phase Plan
1. Community Education and Engagement
This phase started on May 11th and will end on June 12th. During this phase, APD and the "Homeless Outreach Street Team" will connect people in violation of the ban with resources and APD will issue verbal warnings, unless there is an immediate threat to health & safety.
2. Written Warnings & Citations
This phase begins on June 13th and ends on July 10th. APD will issue written warnings and may issue citations to people who have already received warnings.
3. Sweeps & Arrests
This phase is from July 11th - August 7th. APD will begin throwing away camps that haven't moved after receiving citations. They will also begin to arrest people who haven't moved after receiving citations in areas deemed dangerous for the public.
4. More Sweeps & Arrests
This phase starts on August 8th and will continue indefinitely. APD will arrest those in violation of the ban who have received a citation, regardless of the area of town they are in.
Note: this phased plan is only for camping. The sit/lie and panhandling ordinances went into effect immediately on May 11th.
The Plan in Practice
According to volunteers on the ground with StopTheSweepsATX, APD has been issuing misleading warnings and lackluster resources to the unhoused community.
Unhoused people have been given written warnings to remove their belongings and move out within 30 days, warnings that are being administered weeks and months earlier than the plan laid out by the city instructed.
Additionally, the resources given direct unhoused people to go to shelters that are already full and to the controversial Christian Community First! Village, which costs money.
It is extremely difficult to monitor how this four-phase plan is being implemented. However, with reports from local grassroots organizations like StopTheSweepsATX and LittlePetalAlliance and our knowledge of APD's normal practices, it is safe to assume the plan laid out by the city will be and is being interpreted by APD as more of a suggestion than an order from the city.
The Consequences
The fine for violating the camping ban is up to $500. While there will be no jail terms for violating the ban, those who do not pay the fine may be issued an arrest warrant.
According to the City of Austin website, those who receive a citation for violating the ban may be able to participate in a deferral or conditional dismissal program in lieu of a fine. Additionally, those who receive a fine but are unable to pay may be given alternatives by a judge, such as community service work.
It is important to note that each of these options are situational, and it is naive to trust the system to put any of our unhoused neighbors' best interests first. We can fully expect APD and those enforcing the ban to prioritize criminalization over compassionate solutions.
Where People Can Go
- There are around 2,200 unsheltered people in Austin.
- There are not enough shelter beds in Austin to shelter our entire unhoused community.
- While the city plans to house 3,000 people in the next three years, just 400 people are on track to be housed by the city by the end of this year, leaving many people without options.
- City Council will create designated campsites for unhoused people to camp without repercussions. They are currently considering 45 different sites - none of them in District 6, who overwhelmingly voted for the camping ban - however it is unclear when these sites will be finalized or opened for people to live.
Our unhoused neighbors are being asked to immediately vacate, with very few options on where to go next.
The Sit/Lie Ban
- Within the gray areas, except for the UT Campus, sitting or lying on public sidewalks is prohibited. Those in violation will have 30 minutes to comply with the ordinance before receiving a citation.
- Until June 12th, APD will issue warnings. After, APD will issue verbal notices and citations after 30 minutes of noncompliance.
- Exceptions to the ordinance include having a medical emergency, operating or buying from a business, events, near bus stops, waiting in line, and sitting on public/private seats.
The Panhandling Ban
- Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Within 25 feet of the entrance or exit to a bank, an ATM, or check cashing business.
- On or near a marked crosswalk .
- On either side of a street near an entrance or exit to a school attended by minors or a childcare facility.
- At an authorized sidewalk café or the patio area of a bar/restaurant.
It also prohibits solicitation at all times of the day if it's deemed aggressive:
- Intentionally or recklessly touching a person without their consent.
- Following the person in a way that is intended to or likely to intimidate them to give money.
- Causes the person fear of imminent bodily harm or the commission of a crime.
- Blocking the passage of the person being solicited in a way that requires them to take evasive action(s) to avoid contact.
- Using obscene or abusive language.
What You Can Do
- Direct Action - Go to camps and let our unhoused neighbors know you can help. Needs vary, and direct action is one of the most effective ways to be of assistance. Follow @StopTheSweepsATX, @StreetForumATX, and @FairDefense to get involved and stay up to date on how to help.
- Protest - Join Little Petal Alliance at city hall at any time to protest Prop B and demand housing. You can also support protestors by sending food and other supplies. Follow @LittlePetalAlliance on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest information.
- Donate - Continue supporting mutual aid organizations like those listed above who provide direct assistance to our unhoused neighbors.
If you or someone you know has received a ticket related to the ban, call the Texas Fair Defense Project at 512-637-5220 (press 0) for help.