“Breaking Out of the Cycle of Neglect and Punishment”: Sen. Eckhardt Votes for Republican Bill Encouraging Creation of Crisis Centers for Homeless Individuals with Mental Health Risks

For Immediate Release: Contact:
May 16, 2025 Jeffrey Clemmons
214-244-6058 | Jeffrey.Clemmons@Senate.Texas.gov
“Breaking Out of the Cycle of Neglect and Punishment”: Sen. Eckhardt Votes
for Republican Bill Encouraging Creation of Crisis Centers for Homeless
Individuals with Mental Health Risks
AUSTIN – Last week, the Texas Senate passed Senator Tan Parker’s SB 2847, which strengthens
Texas’ mental health infrastructure by enabling local governments to create 24/7 crisis centers to
serve people experiencing homelessness in their communities. Senator Eckhardt voted for the
bipartisan Legislation that now advances to the House.
According to the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, homeless individuals are 11 times more likely
to suffer from mental health issues. But with scarce mental health resources homeless
individuals are more likely to cycle in and out of local jails to meet their needs. Senator Parker’s
bill seeks to disrupt this cycle by empowering law enforcement to choose alternatives to
arrest so that individuals experiencing homelessness are steered onto a path of compassion and
recovery.
“Too often, legislation seeks to punish those experiencing homelessness rather
than doing the hard work to address causes and build solutions. But Sen. Parker
is doing the hard work,” said Senator Eckhardt. “Senator Parker did the hard work
of engaging stakeholders - local governments, nonprofit partners, the faith
community - to understand this issue from the ground up. The result is a
thoughtful, comprehensive strategy for addressing this ongoing challenge in our
communities that doesn’t succumb to the temptation to punish those who need a
hand up.”
Senator Eckhardt continued: “This bill empowers our communities to come up
with innovative solutions on this urgent issue. I look forward to returning next
Session to build on this progress and fund these initiatives and more across our state
for our homeless neighbors.”
Sarah Eckhardt is the third-term Democratic State Senator representing District 14, comprising Austin and
surrounding areas. She serves on the Administration, Border Security, Nominations, and Veterans Affairs
committees in the 89th Legislative Session, and has previously served on the Water, Agriculture, & Rural
Affairs and Local Government committees. A proud UT Law and Public Affairs alum, Senator Eckhardt was
the first woman to serve as Travis County Judge from 2014-2020.