Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1953

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas-Mexico Commission.

Impact

If enacted, SB1953 will centralize and equip the Texas-Mexico Commission with responsibilities to oversee and improve bilateral relations, particularly in trade and transportation. It mandates the creation of a border affairs director position to facilitate communication between various levels of government, from federal to local. This position will play a vital role in addressing regulatory hurdles and fostering economic development initiatives that impact the border communities.

Summary

SB1953 aims to establish the Texas-Mexico Commission, which is designed to enhance cooperation and coordination between Texas and its neighboring Mexican states, focusing on common challenges. The bill amends existing laws to replace the Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission with this new commission, which will serve as a platform to tackle issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, economic development, trade, security, and environmental protection in the Texas-Mexico border region. The commission is tasked with developing strategies and fostering collaboration among state and federal agencies to streamline processes related to border crossing.

Contention

Discussion around SB1953 highlights the necessity of such interagency collaboration, yet there are concerns regarding the potential for bureaucratic overhead and the effectiveness of the commission's directives. Some critics may argue that the proposed commission could create an additional layer of governance that complicates already existing local regulatory frameworks. Proponents believe that a coordinated approach is essential for addressing intricate and cross-border challenges effectively and ensuring the sustainable economic growth of the regions involved.

Latest SB1953 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5208

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Commission on Immigration and Migration and a migrant worker visa pilot project.

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 HB3447

Relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

TX SB8

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force and making funds available to certain governmental entities.

TX SB69

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB7

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.

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 HB1904

Relating to the establishment of a border county mental health task force.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.