TX
Texas Senate Bill SB36

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB36

Filed
3/13/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/7/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Out of House Committee
5/13/25  
Voted on by House
5/24/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

Through the establishment of the Homeland Security Division, SB36 seeks to centralize and streamline security operations across state and local agencies. This represents a significant shift in how homeland security activities are structured in Texas, with an emphasis on collaboration among various stakeholders, including local governments and private organizations. The bill mandates the development of strategic plans to address risks and to foster intelligence sharing, ensuring that all involved parties are prepared for potential threats.

Summary

Senate Bill 36 establishes the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety, aimed at enhancing law enforcement initiatives related to homeland security. This division will take charge of coordinating multi-agency and public-private efforts to improve security operations, particularly in the areas of border security and critical infrastructure protection. The bill also mandates comprehensive planning and preparedness strategies against threats posed by criminal actors, including potential terrorist actions.

Sentiment

The reception of SB36 appears to be mixed, with supporters highlighting the necessity of enhanced coordination in response to evolving threats, particularly in border security. Proponents argue that this newly established division will significantly bolster Texas's capabilities to handle emergencies and criminal threats. However, some critics express concerns about the adequacy of oversight of the new agency and potential overreach in its authority, particularly regarding collaboration with private entities and the data management protocols involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the perceived balance between civil liberties and the expansive authority granted to the new division. Opponents question how the division will safeguard sensitive information, especially given its role in interfacing with private organizations. Additionally, stakeholders are concerned regarding the effective management of resources and the potential for redundancy with existing agencies. Overall, the debate reflects broader tensions surrounding national and local security measures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 421. Homeland Security
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045

Latest TX SB36 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB36

Companion Bills

TX SB780

Duplicate Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative 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 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.

TX HB85

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 HB37

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 HB87

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 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 SB1598

Relating to the composition of the Homeland Security Council.

TX SB1126

Relating to the awarding of grants to certain entities for homeland security expenses.

Similar Bills

TX SB780

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

IN HB1222

Regional public safety training fund.

NH HB1488

Relative to hazard mitigation funding.

US SB1425

Satellite Cybersecurity Act

IN SB0477

Threats to critical infrastructure.

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

NH SB82

Relative to the housing opportunity project extension and homes for homeland heroes grant program.

WY SF0077

Homeland defense-infrastructure reporting and investigating.