Texas Senate Bill SB1209

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/24/23

Caption

Relating to requiring state agencies participating in Operation Lone Star to develop and report performance measures on the agency's operations.

Impact

The impact of SB1209 on state laws is significant as it introduces a structured process for assessing the actions and outcomes of state agencies related to border security. By requiring performance measures, the bill highlights a commitment to transparency and accountability in governmental operations. This legislative move aims to facilitate better resource allocation and to critically evaluate whether border initiatives are meeting their intended goals, potentially guiding future policy decisions and funding allocations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1209 focuses on enhancing accountability and operational efficiency of state agencies involved in border security operations, specifically those participating in Operation Lone Star. The bill mandates these agencies to develop and implement performance measures to evaluate their border operations, thus providing a systematic approach to gauge their effectiveness. Furthermore, agencies are required to submit a report detailing their findings to the legislature annually, ensuring that lawmakers are informed about the effectiveness of state initiatives in this domain.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB1209 appears to be cautiously optimistic, as it brings forth a proactive approach to border security operations. Supporters view the legislation as a necessary step towards enhancing governmental accountability and ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation of such measures and the potential for bureaucratic overhead that could arise from these new requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1209 may center around the efficiency of performance measures and how they are defined and evaluated. Some critics might argue that overly stringent performance metrics could lead to unintended consequences, such as agencies prioritizing quantitative goals over qualitative outcomes. Additionally, the bill could spark debates on the extent to which state agencies should be monitored and how rigorous these performance evaluations should be, particularly in sensitive areas like border security.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 421. Homeland Security
  • Section: New Section