Good God, the city of Austin, Texas really wants to take their citizens to the bank.
The city is currently pushing a local mandate that would fine citizens $2000 for not wearing a mask & they are completely serious.
Alyssa Goard & Russell Falcon report:
On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously approved two ordinances that create penalties for not following existing government orders related to COVID-19. One of these ordinances is expected to impose a fine of up to $2,000 for violations of a Health Authority order to wear face coverings.
What remains unclear is the specifics of how these ordinances will be enforced and the exact text of what rules the Health Authority may order under one of these ordinances.
One of the newly approved ordinances grants Austin’s Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott the power to make rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the city to enforce actions against those who violate his rules.
This ordinance states that anyone who “knowingly violates a health authority rule” commits an offense and that each offense is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. The ordinance expires on December 31, 2020.
The ordinance states that each day a violation occurs is considered a separate offense.
This ordinance is still being drafted, but it is expected to create requirements similar to the Governor’s and Mayor’s orders, which include mandates to wear face coverings.
Violations of the Health Authority rules will be enforced as most other city ordinances are: with a fine only misdemeanor prosecuted at Municipal Court.
AUSTIN, TX - APRIL 18: A protester holds up a sign protesting wearing a mask at the Texas State Capital building on April 18, 2020 in Austin, Texas. The protest was organized by Infowars host Owen Shroyer who is joining other protesters across the country in taking to the streets to call for the country to be opened up despite the risk of the COVID-19. (Photo by Sergio Flores/Getty Images)