Defeated TX Bills Criminalizing Presence in Beach Closure Area

Senate Bill 2230 (A. Hinojosa) and companion bill House Bill 4661 (Lopez) would have made it criminal to be present at the beach, on the highway, or in another closure area when a closure order is in place, whether someone is purposely there during the closure or not, and before being asked to leave. This is concerning given the day-to-day changes in closure timing that people may not be aware of as casual visitors to the beach. These bills were defeated when not brought to the floor for a vote.