Officials with City of Austin want expanded eviction protections
AUSTIN, Texas - Officials with Austin City Council are holding a press conference to inform the public about an emergency ordinance the council is set to vote on at their meeting on Thursday, March 26.
Councilmember Greg Casar said he would be live on Facebook around 2:30 p.m. to talk about the emergency ordinance in greater detail. The emergency ordinance is co-sponsored by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, and Council Member Kathie Tovo.
The emergency ordinance would create a 60-day grace period for renters and small business owners, after rent is officially due, before eviction proceedings can begin due to nonpayment.
The ordinance would apply only during this local disaster.
"This action is meant to protect public health, by ensuring that people are not displaced from their homes during a time where the public is being asked to stay in their homes," council members explain in a press release.
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP FOR YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates
"No one should be kicked out of their home or business during a pandemic," said Council Member Greg Casar, the item's Sponsor. "During the pandemic, a lot of things have been stopped in their tracks: but, for working families, the bills have not stopped. So, we're stepping in."
If people residents can pay rent, they should pay their rent. But for those who have lost income and cannot afford rent, the ordinance can provide critical protections during this crisis, according to the press release.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
---
FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. Every weekday we're live at 12 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.
You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.
You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.