Texas House Bill HB29

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the creation of the offense of criminal trespass by an illegal alien.

Impact

If enacted, HB29 would impact Texas' laws concerning trespassing and immigration significantly. The bill aligns with ongoing national discussions about state-level immigration policy and its legal ramifications. By establishing a felony charge for entering the state unlawfully, this legislation may increase the number of prosecutions related to immigration violations and could lead to a greater degree of interaction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This change also places additional responsibilities on law enforcement to enforce this new statute, potentially impacting resource allocation within local communities.

Summary

House Bill 29 (HB29) proposes the creation of a new offense known as 'criminal trespass by an illegal alien'. This legislation aims to reinforce state laws surrounding immigration and trespassing by making it a criminal offense for non-citizens to unlawfully enter or remain on public or private property in Texas. Specifically, the bill amends Chapter 30 of the Penal Code by adding Section 30.055, which defines the offense and classifies it as a third-degree felony. This classification significantly escalates the legal consequences for illegal entry, reflecting a strict approach toward immigration enforcement within the state.

Contention

The introduction of HB29 has been met with various points of contention among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to protect property rights and deter illegal immigration. They view it as a way to strengthen state sovereignty in the face of federal immigration policies. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that the bill could lead to racial profiling and disproportionately affect communities of color and undocumented individuals. Additionally, there are fears that the felony designation could create long-lasting negative consequences for individuals convicted under this law, which critics argue could undermine social safety nets and contribute to larger systemic issues related to immigration enforcement in Texas.