TX
Texas Senate Bill SB81

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB81

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety to act during a state of invasion or imminent danger on the Texas-Mexico border.

Impact

The legislation would allow the DPS to invoke specific powers to investigate and interdict persons attempting to enter Texas unlawfully at locations other than official ports of entry. Additionally, it empowers the department to return undocumented persons who have crossed the border unlawfully and to proactively enhance border security measures, including the interdiction of dangerous drugs and human trafficking. This expansion of authority introduces significant changes to state enforcement practices concerning immigration and border security.

Summary

SB81 seeks to enhance the authority of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) during what it terms a 'state of invasion' or 'imminent danger' along the Texas-Mexico border. This bill is predicated on a legislative finding or the governor's declaration of imminent danger, invoking the authority granted under Section 10, Article I of the U.S. Constitution. It aims to provide the DPS with expanded powers to detect, deter, and act against unlawful crossings and activities related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking on Texas's borders.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises various points of contention regarding civil liberties and the potential for abuse of power. Critics may argue that such broad powers could lead to increased racial profiling and unnecessary detentions. Concerns over the adequacy of oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of authority and ensure adherence to constitutional rights could also arise. Supporters, on the other hand, claim that these measures are necessary to address the ongoing challenges concerning illegal immigration and border security, especially in light of concerns about transnational cartels operating in the region.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Latest TX SB81 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB81

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4368

Relating to the protection of this state and its citizens from border invasion or imminent danger from border security breaches; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB80

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB87

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.