Relating to an annual report by the comptroller of public accounts on the fiscal impact to this state of persons not lawfully present.
Impact
The bill has the potential to influence state laws significantly by formalizing the need for a fiscal analysis that includes costs associated with healthcare services provided to individuals not lawfully present, expenses related to law enforcement, and educational services received in public schools. Additionally, it mandates cooperation among various state agencies, such as the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Education Agency, to provide data necessary for this comprehensive fiscal report. Through this structured approach, supporters argue that lawmakers can make more informed decisions regarding immigration policies and budget allocations.
Summary
House Bill 4712 is designed to mandate an annual report by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that outlines the fiscal impact of persons not lawfully present in the state. This legislation aims to provide transparency and accountability regarding the costs incurred by state and local governments in relation to these individuals. The report must detail various categories of impact, including healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, educational expenditures, and welfare assistance. By focusing on these areas, the bill seeks to quantify the financial burden on public resources attributable to individuals without lawful immigration status.
Contention
Despite its intended purpose of transparency, the bill has attracted points of contention. Critics argue that focusing on the costs associated with persons not lawfully present could foster negative perceptions and stigmatize immigrant communities. They express concerns that such fiscal reports might lead to policies that are punitive rather than constructive, further marginalizing those who are already vulnerable. The debate over HB4712 reflects broader national dialogues concerning immigration, state resources, and the responsibilities of government to all residents, regardless of their legal status.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to state savings achieved through a budget savings program administered by the comptroller of public accounts making an appropriation of a portion of those savings.
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.
Relating to the authority of the comptroller of public accounts to issue certain payments to persons who are indebted or delinquent in taxes owed to the state and to state agency reporting requirements regarding such persons.
Relating to a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons.
Relating to a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons.
Relating to the cost of confinement and imprisonment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for that cost.
Relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for those benefits and services.
Relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for those benefits and services.
Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.
Relating to the cost of confinement and imprisonment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for that cost.
Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify; creating civil penalties.