Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1203

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a requirement that certain state agencies report on border security operations.

Impact

This legislation introduces systematic reporting requirements for several state agencies, including the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department. These agencies will be required to provide biannual reports detailing their budgets and expenditures concerning border security in targeted counties, which may significantly improve transparency and accountability in border operations. The metrics for evaluation include financial allocations for border security and personnel costs, performance indicators such as arrest and drug seizure rates, and other relevant operational details.

Summary

House Bill 1203 establishes a mandate for certain state agencies in Texas to report on their border security operations. The bill defines 'border security' through various legal offenses that pertain to crimes punishable by third-degree felonies or higher, including activities that may intersect with cross-border crimes involving the United Mexican States. It aims to provide a clearer accounting of how resources are allocated and expended in relation to border security efforts in specific counties deemed 'reportable' based on their geographic and demographic characteristics.

Contention

One notable area of contention surrounding HB 1203 could be related to the financial accountability it imposes on various agencies and the potential resource allocation challenges they may face. Stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of funds for these operations and the growing strain on state resources. Furthermore, debates might arise concerning the effectiveness of current border security strategies and the implications of increased reporting requirements on agency operations and priorities. Critics might also be concerned that excessive focus on enforcement could overshadow community engagement and comprehensive border safety strategies, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about immigration and cross-border relationships.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB6

Relating to an appropriation for border security.

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 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.

TX HB80

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.

TX HB87

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.

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 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 HB61

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 SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.