Texas likely to ban homeless encampments in unapproved public places after bill is sent to governor

Texas is poised to outlaw homeless encampments across the state after the House signed off on the Senate’s changes to House Bill 1925, sending it to the governor for final approval.

The bill would make camping in an unapproved public place a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Cities may not opt out of the ban or discourage enforcement of it.

Abbott has signaled that he would sign the bill. He’s been a vocal critic of Austin officials for lifting the city’s homeless encampment ban two...