Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB21

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

Caption

Relating to reporting by state agencies on the financial effect of providing services to illegal immigrants.

Impact

The enactment of HB21 significantly alters how financial appropriations are reported by state agencies by imposing new obligations to disclose spending related to illegal immigration. This could lead to a greater scrutiny of state expenditures and potentially affect funding decisions in the future. Agencies must also collect detailed data from local governmental entities regarding their expenditures related to providing services to undocumented individuals, which may result in administrative challenges and increased reporting burdens.

Summary

House Bill 21 mandates that state agencies in Texas report on the financial effects of providing services to individuals who are not legally present in the United States. Specifically, it requires each state agency to include a detailed account of the amounts spent during the preceding fiscal biennium to provide these services when submitting their legislative appropriations requests. This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial handling of public services extended to undocumented immigrants.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB21 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to ensure taxpayers are informed about the financial implications of services provided to illegal immigrants, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility. Conversely, critics worry that this bill could stigmatize service providers and those whom they serve, creating barriers to access for vulnerable populations and complicating service delivery in local communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB21 include concerns over the potential administrative burden it places on state agencies and local entities to comply with new reporting requirements. Opponents argue that the bill may deter local governments from providing essential services to undocumented immigrants, as fear of being penalized for funding could arise. Furthermore, there are apprehensions that the data compiled might be used to incite anti-immigrant sentiments, thereby affecting public perception and policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB4510

Relating to reporting of certain information by state agencies and counties, including information related to appropriated money, activities of certain consultants, and tax revenue.

TX SB1703

Relating to a study on the impact of illegal immigration in this state.

TX SB566

Relating to the purchase of periodicals by state agencies and certain state officers and to prohibiting state agencies from providing financial support to the news media.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

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 HB126

Relating to impeding illegal entry into Texas by providing more funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.