'We will have an increase of people': Harris County Precinct 4, TxDOT to enforce law against public camping

Harris County Precinct 4 deputies have partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enforce a new state law prohibiting camping in public places. 

In a Sept. 2, 2021 report by CW39, Salvation Army Waco Commanding Officer Maj. James Taylor told the news organization a ban on homeless camping would increase the number of residents needing shelter. 

“I’m not sure that’s going to impact the Salvation Army a lot in terms of what the law is," Taylor told CW39. "What may happen is that we will have an increase of people coming to the Salvation Army.”

The law, approved by the state legislature and signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, went into effect last September. It classifies camping in public as a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

The partnership with TxDOT comes as Constable Mark Herman told Click2Houston his office has fielded numerous complaints from area residents.

According to the report, HB1925 gives Herman's precinct authority to patrol areas, particularly those with underpasses, free of encampments.