Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3037

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

Caption

Relating to the border prosecution unit.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3037 would create a structured and independent Border Prosecution Unit that collaborates with local attorneys and law enforcement agencies. This unit will facilitate training and provide legal and technical assistance to ensure effective prosecution of border crime. Moreover, counties located in the border regions would receive state reimbursement for expenses related to investigations, thereby potentially alleviating the financial burden on these jurisdictions as they handle an influx of border-related crimes.

Summary

House Bill 3037 establishes a Border Prosecution Unit in Texas, aimed at enhancing the prosecution of crimes in border regions. This unit is designed to support and coordinate efforts among various prosecuting attorneys who handle offenses classified as border crimes, which include serious criminal activities undermining public safety and security. The bill defines specific crimes related to border activities, particularly emphasizing offenses involving non-citizens or those without legal presence in the U.S., as well as crimes coordinated with activities occurring in Mexico.

Contention

Prominent points of contention surrounding HB 3037 may include the perceived implications of expanding state control over local law enforcement and prosecution efforts in border regions. Supporters argue that this measure is necessary to effectively tackle the unique challenges posed by border crime and improve public safety. Critics may raise concerns about potential federal overreach or misallocation of resources that could detract from local communities’ control over law enforcement priorities and funding.

Companion Bills

TX HB12

Duplicate Relating to the border prosecution unit.

Previously Filed As

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 HB3782

Relating to establishing the Border Security Advisory Council and the Border Protection Task Force.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB87

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB80

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB75

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 HB85

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 HB37

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 HB87

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 HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

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