In a move that has sparked both applause and outrage, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law the “Cart Accountability Act of 2024,” which makes it illegal for shoppers to leave their carts anywhere other than designated return areas. The law, effective immediately, imposes fines up to $500 for violations and requires offenders to perform community service—specifically, retrieving abandoned carts from parking lots.
Cart Chaos Ends in Texas
Governor Abbott announced the legislation during a press conference outside a Walmart Supercenter in Austin, standing in front of rows of neatly returned carts.
“Leaving shopping carts scattered across parking lots is not just lazy—it’s a symbol of societal decline,” Abbott declared, gesturing toward a cart stranded in a nearby ditch. “In Texas, we value personal responsibility, and this law ensures that every citizen contributes to keeping our communities clean and respectful.”
The legislation, which passed the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature, has been celebrated by conservatives as a common-sense measure to promote responsibility. Critics, however, have labeled it as government overreach, accusing Abbott of focusing on trivial issues instead of larger state challenges.
Penalties for Cart(el) Criminals
The new law requires grocery stores to post signs reminding customers to return carts. A newly formed “Cart Enforcement Task Force” will patrol parking lots, issuing citations to offenders.
First-time violators will receive warnings, while repeat offenders could face escalating fines or be sentenced to 20 hours of mandatory shopping cart retrieval.
“It’s not about punishment,” said Abbott. “It’s about teaching accountability. You borrow a cart; you return it. That’s the Texas way.”
Public Reactions
Texans have mixed feelings about the law.
“I love it,” said Dallas resident Laura Henson. “I’ve had carts scratch my car too many times to count. This is long overdue.”
However, not everyone is as enthusiastic.
“This is ridiculous,” said Jim Lopez, a San Antonio father of three. “Sometimes I’m juggling kids, groceries, and the rain—I don’t have time to trek back to the cart corral. Is Abbott going to fine me for that?”
Support from the Grocery Industry
Major grocery chains, who lose thousands of carts each year to abandonment, have praised the law.
“This legislation is a game-changer for us,” said Linda Marshall, manager of a Dallas Kroger. “We spend too much time and money collecting carts that are scattered across parking lots—or worse, stolen.”
Criticism from Progressives
Democrats and progressive groups have slammed the law, calling it a waste of resources.
“This is a blatant attack on busy, low-income Texans,” said State Representative Amanda Graves, a Democrat. “Governor Abbott is spending taxpayer dollars on ‘cart police’ instead of addressing issues like healthcare and education.”
Some critics have even called the law classist, arguing that it disproportionately impacts those juggling multiple responsibilities.
Abbott Stands Firm
Governor Abbott remains unfazed by the backlash, framing the law as part of his broader commitment to Texas values.
“This is about restoring order and accountability,” Abbott said. “If we can’t handle the little things, how can we handle the big ones? Texas is a state of hard-working, responsible people, and this law reflects that spirit.”
For now, shopping carts across Texas parking lots might finally find their way back to their rightful homes—but only time will tell if Abbott’s push for accountability will roll smoothly or face a bumpy road.