Senate Bill No. 241, introduced by Flores and Middleton, aims to strengthen regulations surrounding 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, new sections are added to establish a framework for local entities regarding the use of property for camping, the process for filing complaints about violations, and the requirement for local entities to take action on complaints within 90 days. If they fail to do so, the attorney general can declare them a "violating local entity," which may result in financial repercussions.

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 introduces provisions for the distribution of tax revenues to municipalities and counties that fail to act on public camping ban complaints, allowing the comptroller to withhold funds 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 (Penal Code 48, Local Government Code 364)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Penal Code 48, Local Government Code 364)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 364.002, Penal Code 48.05 (Penal Code 48, Local Government Code 364)