S.B. No. 241 aims to establish stricter regulations regarding public camping bans in Texas. The bill amends Section 364.002(a) of the Local Government Code to prohibit local entities from adopting policies that discourage the enforcement of public camping bans, including the investigation of violations. Additionally, it introduces new sections that require local entities to develop a complaint process for violations of public camping bans, report complaints and their dispositions to the attorney general, and take action on complaints within 90 days. If a local entity fails to act, the attorney general can declare it a "violating local entity," which may result in financial repercussions, including withholding tax distributions.

The bill also modifies the Penal Code regarding the treatment of personal property during arrests related to camping offenses, ensuring that nonhazardous personal property is preserved. Furthermore, it establishes provisions for the recovery of enforcement costs by the attorney general or the Department of Public Safety from local entities that do not comply with the new regulations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific deadlines for local entities to implement the required complaint processes and for the attorney general to establish reporting rules.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Local Government Code 364, Penal Code 48)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Local Government Code 364, Penal Code 48)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Local Government Code 364, Penal Code 48)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Local Government Code 364, Penal Code 48)