Texas House Bill HB119

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to citizenship information reported by persons who receive local or state money to provide services to individuals in this state.

Impact

The implementation of HB119 is expected to significantly affect the reporting mechanisms within state and local entities that provide services subsidized by state funds. By introducing these requirements, the bill will reshape how services are rendered and monitored, emphasizing transparency regarding the use of state resources. The comptroller will play a crucial role by compiling reports detailing expenditures associated with foreign citizens and seeking reimbursement from their respective countries for these costs.

Summary

House Bill 119 (HB119) aims to establish requirements for individuals and entities receiving state or local funds to provide various services, including health care and education. The bill mandates that these entities identify an individual's country of citizenship prior to service provision, particularly if the individual is a foreign citizen. Additionally, it compels service providers to determine and report the costs associated with providing services to citizens of foreign countries, thereby integrating accountability into the funding process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB119 is likely to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring that state resources are allocated efficiently, and that taxpayers are not burdened by costs incurred while serving foreign citizens. They believe the legislation promotes fiscal responsibility and accountability. However, opponents may view the bill as unnecessarily complicated and potentially discriminatory, fearing it may serve to undermine the accessibility of critical services for individuals based on citizenship status.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention regarding HB119 include debates about the implications of citizenship verification requirements. Critics within the political and advocacy spheres suggest that such measures could create barriers to essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants and low-income families. Additionally, the effectiveness of requiring reimbursement from foreign governments has been questioned, as it could lead to strained diplomatic relationships and complicate operational processes for service providers.