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, 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 penalties and the recovery of enforcement costs.

The bill also modifies the Penal Code regarding the handling of personal property for individuals arrested for camping violations, ensuring that nonhazardous personal property is preserved. Furthermore, it establishes provisions for withholding tax distributions from municipalities and counties that fail to act on public camping ban complaints, directing those funds to the attorney general or the Department of Public Safety for enforcement actions. 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)