81R25342 BEF-D
By: Zerwas, Bonnen, Flynn, Sheffield, et al. H.B. No. 276
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 276:
By: Solomons C.S.H.B. No. 276
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the requirement that state agencies report the cost of
services and benefits provided to undocumented immigrants.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 2101, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2101.016 to read as follows:
Sec. 2101.016. REPORT OF SERVICES AND BENEFITS PROVIDED TO
UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS. (a) In this section, "undocumented
immigrant" means an individual who is not:
(1) a United States citizen;
(2) a legal permanent resident of the United States;
or
(3) a qualified alien or nonimmigrant under the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Section 1101 et seq.) who
is legally present in the United States.
(b) Not later than December 31 of each year, each state
agency shall submit to the comptroller a report of the cost of
services and benefits provided to undocumented immigrants, with the
agency determining the extent to which undocumented immigrants are
served by the agency by:
(1) considering statements and other information
provided by the recipient of a service or benefit that identifies
the recipient as an undocumented immigrant, including place of
birth, registration with the Social Security Administration to the
extent that information may be lawfully obtained, and work history;
or
(2) using an aggregated statistical method developed
by the agency if it is not practical for the agency to directly
determine whether each recipient of a service or benefit is an
undocumented immigrant.
(c) The comptroller shall use the information reported
under Subsection (b) to produce a biennial report to the
legislature regarding the estimated financial impact of
undocumented immigrants on the state budget and economy.
(d) A report under this section must be produced using
aggregated statistical data that does not contain personally
identifiable information. Information sought for the preparation
of a report under this section may not violate any federal or state
laws, including rules, regarding privacy.
SECTION 2. Section 2101.016, Government Code, as added by
this Act, applies only in relation to an application for a service
or benefit that is made on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.