Texas House Bill HB2191

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for grants awarded by the criminal justice division of the governor's office.

Impact

The passage of HB2191 aims to tighten the relationship between state and federal law enforcement, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. By making eligibility for critical funding contingent upon participation in federal agreements, the bill encourages local law enforcement agencies to align with federal immigration policies. This change could influence the operational dynamics of local law enforcement agencies and their priorities, as well as their relationships with immigrant communities, who may feel increasingly scrutinized under these conditions. The bill could potentially lead to decreased local autonomy in law enforcement operations, as funding may be tied to federal policy compliance.

Summary

House Bill 2191 focuses on the eligibility criteria for entities seeking grants from the criminal justice division of the governor's office in Texas. It specifically stipulates that the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, municipal police departments in cities with populations of 800,000 or more, and sheriff's departments in counties with populations of one million or more will not be eligible for such grants unless they have an agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This represents a significant change in how grant eligibility is determined for local entities in relation to their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HB2191, particularly regarding local governments' abilities to manage their law enforcement priorities without federal interference. Critics may argue that this legislation pressures local agencies to enforce federal immigration laws, which could conflict with community policing practices and create a divisive atmosphere between law enforcement and the populations they serve. Furthermore, concerns regarding civil rights and the potential for racial profiling could arise, as communities may fear that their safety may be compromised by strict adherence to immigration enforcement mandates as a condition for receiving state grants.