Austin Ballot Will Have Pot Decriminalization Measure

[#TexasPolitics365]

Activists have turned in enough signatures to place a marijuana decriminalization initiative on Austin’s 2022 ballot.

Ground Game Texas, a progressive organization that was established earlier this year, submitted more than 30,000 signatures to qualify the local measure to go before voters in the May 7 election next year.

While Austin, as well as other Texas cities like Dallas, have already independently enacted law enforcement policy changes aimed at reducing arrests for cannabis-related offenses by issuing citations and summons, the Austin Freedom Act of 2021 would take the reform a step further.

(Full story here.)
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Lubbock Voters Approve "Abortion Ban"

[#TexasPolitics365]

Voters in Lubbock have overwhelmingly approved a city ordinance that outlawed abortion with the city limits as well as declared Lubbock a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” The vote was 62.46% of voters in favor and 37.54% opposed.

Lubbock’s is the largest city by far in the United States to outlaw abortion; Lubbock has an estimated population of 258,862. 22 other Texas cities and two cities in Nebraska had passed ordinances with similar intent, but Lubbock is the only town with an active abortion clinic, which opened on April 15.

Last November, the Lubbock City Council rejected the ordinance after a petition drive forced a vote by the council. But then the committee responsible for the petition forced the city council to approve a May election to consider the matter.

However, the ordinance cannot be enforced until the US Supreme Court overrules landmark Roe v Wade decision, which legalized abortion in the United States in 1973.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas reacted to the ordinance passing by stating, “The ACLU has a long history of challenging unconstitutional abortion bans and will continue to fight to protect the fundamental rights of the people of Lubbock.”

(Full story here)
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Austin Voters reinstate Public Camping Ban

[#TexasPolitics365]

Voters Saturday approved Proposition B, a reinstatement of Austin’s public camping ban. It penalizes those who camp in public spaces not designated by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.  

In 2019, Austin City Council voted to repeal previous city bans on camping, sitting and lying in public spaces. 

Since that time, tent cities have spring up under numerous underpasses and in median strips. Several recent fires in the encampments have drawn alarm from residents and passers-by.

Nearly 60% of voters approved the measure Saturday, showing strong bipartisan support in the largely liberal Capitol city.

Opponents said the repeal of the camping ban has acted like a magnet to bring homeless from many other areas into the city. 

(Full story here)
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"Police Accountability" Proposition Fails In San Antonio

[#TexasPolitics365]

A charter amendment that would have stripped San Antonio's police union of its right to collectively bargain with the city, was defeated by a narrow margin Saturday.

About 51 percent of voters opposed Prop. B, with 49 percent supporting it, according to the final tally.

Voters’ rejection of Prop. B notched a significant victory for the San Antonio Police Officers Association, which first gained collective bargaining in 1974. It and the city are in midst of negotiating a new contract.

Opponents framed the proposition as a way to "hold police accountable."

(Full story here.)
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