Leon Valley approves contentious law on homelessness.
Leon Valley, Texas has recently implemented a new ordinance that will prohibit various aspects of homelessness in the city. This amendment to the city’s code, under Chapter 8 Offenses and Nuisances, was initially presented before the Leon Valley City Council on May 16. The proposal emerged as a response to an increasing number of complaints from residents and business owners about homeless encampments, according to Leon Valley officials.
As the discussion progressed, concerns about the practicality and potential abuse of the proposed law were expressed. While some supporters argued that the “housing first” approach would benefit individuals in need, others opposed the ordinance as too vague and open to abuse. Council Member Josh Stevens questioned the broad language of the law, stating, “Who is to say what ‘harassing’ is and is not? What if I have a sign that says something that somebody doesn’t like? Why is it necessary? It just seems like it’s ripe for abuse.”
Furthermore, Brian Netfield, a landowner, voiced concerns at the meeting, stating, “Are police officers now able to enter my property? Cross my fence and ask somebody on my property whether they have written or expressed permission [to be there]? That’s a Fourth Amendment violation.” Council members responded to these concerns, and the section that prohibited people from camping, lodging, or sleeping on private property without first obtaining permission from the owner was removed from the amendment.
Despite these concerns, the new ordinance passed after some edits. According to the amended law, it is illegal in the city of Leon Valley to camp, lodge, or sleep in public parks, recreational space, public median, street, drainageway, or city right-of-way. A person cannot stand in a traffic median unless they are crossing the street. It is also illegal to leave unattended tents, chairs, or personal belongings in public parks and spaces, except during July 4th celebrations. Furthermore, sitting or sleeping in a vehicle parked on a street for more than 24 hours is not allowed, and a person cannot sleep on a city highway for more than 2 hours. No person can stand or sit in a crosswalk, sidewalk, public street, highway, public park, or other property opened to the public in any manner that obstructs public passage. Additionally, molesting or harassing anyone on private or public property is prohibited, although peaceful protests and freedom of expression are exempt. Finally, it is illegal to be on Leon Valley City parks and trails between sunrise and sunset, unless authorized by a permit.
The passing of this ordinance marks a change from the city’s previous approach to homelessness. Council Member Will Bradshaw stated, “A lot of cities that have a hands-off approach are reversing their policies. A Portland commissioner that won a re-election had a good quote; ‘Taking a hands-off approach to homelessness is not compassionate or progressive, it’s dangerous and inhumane.’ So, I think this is the right thing to do, trying to help people as well as protecting the community.”However, critics remain skeptical about the new law’s enforcement, and some fear the potential for abuse or infringement of individual rights.
