DALLAS — Dallas HERO, an organization backed by GOP donors who helped pass two propositions in last month's election, is now threatening to sue the city of Dallas due to one of those propositions passing.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the group said the city has failed to enforce a state law forbidding camping on public property, such as homeless camps.
Because of the passing of Proposition S last month, which was devised by Dallas HERO and allows for residents to sue the city for violations of laws, the group is now threatening the city to address the issue or face legal action.
The city has 60 days to address this issue before legal actions are pursued.
A Supreme Court decision recently upheld the constitutionality of camping bans and affirmed the state and local government's authority to enforce them.
"Despite this ruling, the City of Dallas has failed to enforce Texas Penal Code § 48.05," Dallas HERO said in a statement. "This lack of enforcement not only undermines public safety and the accessibility of shared spaces but also hinders efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with necessary services and resources."
Opponents of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold bans on sleeping outside argue the law allows governments to punish people with no other place to go.
“Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor in her dissent of the ruling. “Homelessness is a reality for so many Americans.”
The group has recommended the city implement a plan to enforce the law, as well as provide updates to the community on how they plan to enforce it and ensure local policies, regulations and ordinances are aligned with Texas laws.
"Ignoring the law isn’t an option," Dallas HERO concludes. "This timeline provides the city with an opportunity to act proactively, restoring public trust and addressing this critical issue before litigation is pursued."
WFAA has reached out to the City of Dallas for comment but has not heard back as of Wednesday afternoon.