Texas House Bill HB246

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/25

Caption

Relating to a border crime property damage compensation program.

Impact

The establishment of this compensation program is designed to create a structured process for landowners to claim damages caused by border crimes. It delineates the responsibilities of the Attorney General in administering the program, including the creation of standardized reporting forms and eligibility criteria for compensation. Notably, the bill sets a maximum compensation limit of $75,000 per incident, with specific caps for agricultural damages, thus ensuring that support is available to mitigate losses faced by farmers and agricultural entities due to these criminal activities.

Summary

House Bill 246 is focused on establishing a compensation program for property damage resulting from border crime activities. The legislation aims to provide financial restitution to landowners and lessees whose agricultural properties—such as crops, livestock, and various improvements—are damaged due to trespassing as part of transnational criminal activities. By enacting this bill, the state seeks to address the negative impacts of border crimes on local agricultural economies and provide support to those affected.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 246 appears to be generally supportive among those who see it as an essential response to the rising concerns of border crime affecting agricultural land. Stakeholders such as farmers, agricultural organizations, and some legislators argue that the proposed compensation is a necessary step toward safeguarding property rights and providing relief to those affected by criminal activities. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation details, the adequacy of funding sources, and the overall management of the compensation program.

Contention

While proponents advocate that HB 246 addresses a critical issue facing landowners near borders, opponents could argue about the challenges related to the bill's execution—such as the identification of border crimes and the complexities in documenting damages. Moreover, concerns may arise regarding the potential for misuse of the compensation program or the adequacy of funding sourced from state appropriations and other contributions, posing questions on whether the financial support will be sufficient to meet the needs of impacted parties. The effectiveness of the program, once implemented, will likely be a point of contention in future legislative discussions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 56a. Rights Of Crime Victims
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 59. Forfeiture Of Contraband
  • Section: New Section

Insurance Code

• Chapter 2251. Rates
  • Section: 052