85R1296 MTB-F By: Schaefer H.B. No. 2042 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to an interstate compact on border security and immigration enforcement. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 7, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 793 to read as follows: CHAPTER 793. INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR BORDER SECURITY Sec. 793.001. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE INTERSTATE COMPACT. On behalf of this state, the governor shall: (1) coordinate, develop, and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states; and (2) seek the approval of the United States Congress for the compact. Sec. 793.002. INTERSTATE COMPACT PROVISIONS. The compact required by this chapter must provide for joint action among compacting states on matters that include: (1) the detection, apprehension, detention, prosecution, release, and monitoring of illegal aliens; (2) the coordination of federal, state, and local immigration enforcement operations; and (3) the eligibility of aliens to receive state benefits. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.