Austin News

Homeless encampments and “tent cities” remain prevalent throughout Austin, despite the passage of a bill prohibiting Texas cities from allowing camping on public property, including city sidewalks and underpasses. 

House Bill 25 was passed in 2021 and took effect Sept. 1. However, new photos published by the Texas Scorecard on Jan. 24 appear to show a number of public campsites remaining around downtown Austin. 

“Texans are tired of the ever-growing homeless camps in their cities and neighborhoods. It is embarrassing and dangerous," Republican gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines told the Austin News. "The legislature passed a bill to ban homeless encampments statewide, but [current governor] Greg Abbott won’t enforce it."

Huffines joins a crowded field, along with former Florida U.S. Rep and Texas GOP Chairman Allen West and media personality Chad Prather, challenging Abbott in the March 1 Republican gubernatorial primary. 

“When I am governor, Texas will finally have an executive that stands up for our people and our laws,” Huffines said.

Abbott was elected in 2014 as the 48th governor of Texas. Previously, he was the longest-serving attorney general in Texas history.

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke leads the Democratic field. He previously mounted unsuccessful campaigns for U.S. Senate and president.  

Huffines is CEO of Huffines Communities, a Dallas/Fort Worth-based real estate development firm. From 2015 to 2019, he served in the Texas Senate, representing the 16th District.