House Bill 274 Sparks Controversy Over State Control of Austin

The Texas House engaged in intense debate on Wednesday over a proposal to remove Austin's governing authority and designate it as the District of Austin. House Bill 274, introduced by Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Houston), aims to bring the state's capital under the direct oversight of the Texas government, highlighting issues related to crime and governance.

“For years, staffers, constituents, and even our own family members visiting the capital have been increasingly concerned due to the rising crime in Austin,” Cain stated before the House State Affairs Committee. He held Austin’s city leadership responsible for policies like defunding the police and not prosecuting violent offenders.

Nonetheless, numerous Democratic lawmakers disputed Cain’s assertions. Rep. Rafael Anchía (D-Dallas) made a comparison of crime ratings between Austin and Deer Park, a city within Cain’s district, highlighting that Austin received a marginally better crime grade. He inquired why comparable state intervention was not being suggested for other cities.

Data on crime from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the City of Austin reveals a variety of trends. Austin's violent crime rate saw a rise of 17.8% from 2019 to 2023, yet it experienced a decline of 7.8% from 2022 to 2023. During the same period, there was an 8% decrease in overall crime in Austin. In the meantime, Harris County has experienced a 40% increase in violent crime since 2019.

The bill reflects a prior unsuccessful effort in 2022 to subject Austin to state oversight. Critics contend that HB 274 serves more as a spectacle than substantive policy, expressing worries about the state's encroachment on local governance. 

The discussion persists as legislators evaluate the bill's prospects.

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