Relating to regulating the provision of benefits and services to, and the verification of the employment status of, immigrants and to enforcing laws relating to immigrants; providing civil and criminal penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB266 would have profound implications for state and local laws concerning immigration. It would require government entities to perform rigorous checks of applicants' immigration status before providing public benefits, establishing a reinforced set of compliance measures. This would effectively shift the responsibilities of immigration enforcement to local authorities and agencies, increasing the burden on these institutions to verify individuals' immigration status, which could lead to increased strain on resources. Furthermore, the law intends to diminish the occurrence of fraudulent claims made by individuals regarding their right to public benefits by enforcing stricter scrutiny.
Summary
House Bill 266 aims to enforce stricter regulations regarding the provision of benefits and services to immigrants and requires governmental entities to verify the employment status of individuals applying for public benefits. A significant focus of the bill is to establish a mandate that all government agencies cooperate with federal immigration laws, emphasizing the need to verify lawful residency before granting public aid. This is particularly aimed at curbing illegal immigration, which proponents argue leads to economic strains and challenges to public safety. The bill outlines clear penalties for non-compliance, including criminal sanctions for fraud related to immigration status verification.
Contention
The bill has become a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to prevent abuse of public resources and to uphold federal immigration laws. However, opponents express concerns that such regulations may lead to discrimination against certain groups, particularly those who may lack proper documentation. Further, there are fears that requiring extensive verification could drive individuals away from legitimate services, potentially endangering community health and safety, especially among vulnerable populations. Discussions reflect a strong divide between prioritizing immigration enforcement and ensuring the rights and access of residents in need of support.
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.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
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.
Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.
Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the enforcement by campus police departments and certain local governmental entities of state and federal laws governing immigration and to related duties and liability of certain persons in the criminal justice system; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.