Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2661

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the functions of the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs and the Governor's Advisory Committee on Immigration and Refugees.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would allow the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs to apply and distribute federal funds associated with immigration and refugee programs more effectively. Additionally, it mandates the office to assist local communities in developing programs tailored to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees. This could increase the availability of support services and resources, positively impacting immigrant populations throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 2661 aims to enhance the functions of the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs and establish a Governor's Advisory Committee on Immigration and Refugees. This legislative measure modifies existing government code to facilitate coordination between various state agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations in delivering services to immigrants and refugees. The bill emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships to better manage the challenges associated with immigration and refugee resettlement in Texas.

Contention

Notably, discussions regarding HB2661 may revolve around the allocation of resources toward immigrant support versus potential concerns around undocumented immigration. Critics may express apprehension that the establishment of a committee could lead to further complexities in managing immigration-related issues. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how to balance the support for immigrant communities while addressing local and state immigration policy demands.

Companion Bills

TX SB838

Identical Relating to the functions of the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs, the Governor's Advisory Committee on Immigration and Refugees, and the use of the state's disaster contingency fund for purposes related to immigration and refugees.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5208

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Commission on Immigration and Migration and a migrant worker visa pilot project.

TX HB3711

Relating to an interstate compact on border security and refugee resettlement; authorizing fines, fees, and assessments.

TX SB1703

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

TX HB138

Relating to the enforcement within this state of certain federal laws regarding immigration.

TX SB237

Relating to an interstate compact on border security and immigration enforcement.

TX SB1400

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Office of State-Federal Relations.

TX HB2396

Relating to an interstate compact on border security and immigration enforcement.

TX HB1881

Relating to agreements between counties and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.

TX HB1550

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Office of State-Federal Relations.

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

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