Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(10) makes exposing your anus or genitals in a public place reckless of who might be offended a Class C misdemeanor. Harris County Sheriff and constables charge public urination under this statute. No separate county public urination ordinance applies.
Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 disorderly conduct covers public urination through subsections (a)(10) exposure of anus or genitals and (a)(8) abusive or indecent behavior likely to provoke breach of peace. Harris County Sheriff and the eight Constable Precincts cite offenders countywide. Repeat or aggravated cases, especially near schools or in front of children, can be charged as indecent exposure under Section 21.08, a Class B misdemeanor that requires sex offender registration on a second conviction. Houston, Pasadena, and Baytown enforce their own city public-urination ordinances inside city limits. Harris County does not adopt a separate code section because the state statute is fully sufficient and uniform across precincts.
Class C disorderly conduct conviction carries a fine up to $500. Indecent exposure under 21.08 is a Class B misdemeanor with 180 days jail and $2,000 fine, plus registration on second offense.
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See how Harris County's public urination rules stack up against other locations.
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