50501 protests may continue, what are the protest rules in Austin?

Yahoo

18-02-2025

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Protesters gathered in cities across the country on Presidents Day Monday as part of what has been dubbed the 50501 Movement — a series of demonstrations expressing opposition to various elements of Donald Trump's presidency. Austin's demonstration took place at the State Capitol and surrounding streets.
In this article, we'll discuss procedure, not politics.
Monday's demonstration — which was peaceful and without issue — is the second major series of protests as part of the 50501 movement. The term 50501 embodies the idea of '50 protests in 50 states on one day,' according to the organization's website. It's a grassroots movement. The first 50501 protests took place Feb. 5.
'This is the second of many, we're just getting started,' said Alexandra, the media liaison for the Texas chapter of 50501.
In Austin, anyone can hold a protest using public city sidewalks without a permit, but the below rules have to be followed, according to the city's website on public demonstrations.
You can not block the sidewalk where it prevents the use by other citizens
You can not block ingress or egress to the doors of the building
You can not block driveways from the street to the property
You can not set up tables or other obstructions on the sidewalk
You can not get into the street for any reason
You can not get on 'private property' without the permission of the property owner
Careful consideration to the wording and/or graphics that are placed on posters or signs should be considered. Threatening, vulgar or pornographic; words or images could prompt other citizens to complain causing police action.
Banners or signs may not be hung off of or attached to bridges over roadways; signs may be carried while walking on sidewalks over bridges.
The two 50501 protests that have taken place in Austin have occurred outside of the Capitol.
The State Preservation Board and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) monitor and/or assist in coordinating those efforts.
According to DPS, a permit is not required to protest at the Capitol, unless organizers need special accommodations from the State Preservation Board. That could include a sound system, electrical access and podiums, among other things.
If it starts raining or there is other inclement weather during a permitted event, the State Preservation Board does not allow those demonstrations to move inside. The board will also not allow protesters to use hazardous or flammable materials. Additionally, balloons are not allowed inside the Capitol building.
Troopers are in charge of monitoring activity on the Capitol grounds, and the Austin Police Department (APD) takes over if things spill out onto other streets.
If organizers plan to hold some type of march in Austin, a parade permit is needed 10 days prior to the event, according to the city's website. Those permits are approved by APD's Special Events Office.
Filed permits are one means of APD learning about protests.
The department also has a regional intelligence center, which can help ascertain the validity and scope of protests, according to the Austin Police Association (APA). APD also commonly catches wind of protests on social media.
According to the APA, when protests 'pop up,' the department works to figure out the scale in real time.
When protests spill into the streets without a permit, demonstrators or organizers could get arrested. However, the APA said if this happens in an impromptu fashion, but protesters are willing to work with the police department and minimize their impact on traffic, APD will often try to accommodate and let them continue. The APA explained this as a case-by-case basis.
According to the 'events' tab on the organization's website, 50501 is trying to organize another protest on March 4.
The event description asks people to gather at Capitol buildings in each state.
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