If enacted, HB672 would significantly alter the financial structure supporting border security initiatives by creating a direct funnel for funding through remittance fees. It establishes a sustainable funding mechanism that is expected to support state and federal efforts toward border management and security. Border states would have a clearer pathway for reimbursement of their expenditures related to the enforcement of immigration laws, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness to border-related challenges.
Summary
House Bill 672, titled the 'Border Security Investment Act', aims to establish specific trust funds related to border security. The bill proposes the creation of a Border Security State Reimbursement Trust Fund designed to assist border states with financial resources for expenditures incurred in border enforcement activities. This fund would receive a portion of fees collected from remittance transfers to certain countries identified as having the most citizens unlawfully entering the United States. Specifically, the funds will facilitate initiatives like deploying technology to deter unlawful crossings and support for U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Contention
The introduction of this bill might generate discussions regarding the potential economic impact of increased remittance fees on individuals sending money to the covered countries. Stakeholders might debate whether linking border security funding to remittance transfer fees is an effective financial strategy or an additional burden on those who support families in other nations. Moreover, the distribution mechanism of the trust funds could lead to contention among border states regarding how reimbursement amounts are calculated and disbursed, potentially favoring some states over others.
Border Security Investment ActThis bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.
Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.
Property tax: assessments; transfer of ownership of certain real property to certain individuals; exempt from uncapping of taxable value upon transfer. Amends sec. 27a of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.27a).
Property tax: assessments; transfer of ownership of certain real property to certain individuals; exempt from uncapping of taxable value upon transfer. Amends sec. 27a of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.27a).