87R9943 JCG-D
By: Paul H.B. No. 2597
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting camping in certain places; creating a
criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 48, Penal Code, is amended by adding
Section 48.05 to read as follows:
Sec. 48.05. PROHIBITED CAMPING. (a) In this section:
(1) "Camp" means to reside temporarily in a place,
with shelter.
(2) "Controlled access highway" has the meaning
assigned by Section 203.001, Transportation Code.
(3) "Shelter" includes a tent, a tarpaulin, a lean-to,
a sleeping bag, a bedroll, blankets, or any form of shelter, other
than clothing, designed to protect a person from weather conditions
that threaten personal health and safety.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally
or knowingly camps under:
(1) a controlled access highway; or
(2) the frontage road of a controlled access highway.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.