S.B. No. 241 aims to strengthen the enforcement of public camping bans by local entities 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, new sections are added to establish a complaint process for violations of public camping bans, requiring local entities to report complaints and their resolutions to the attorney general. If a local entity fails to act on a complaint within 90 days, it may be declared a "violating local entity" by the attorney general, which could affect its funding.

The bill also introduces provisions regarding the handling of personal property for individuals arrested under public camping laws, ensuring that nonhazardous personal property is preserved. Furthermore, it establishes financial consequences for municipalities and counties that do not comply with the enforcement of public camping bans, including withholding their share of tax revenues until compliance is achieved. 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)