Relating to a study on the creation of bilingual zones in certain areas of this state.
Impact
The bill mandates the comptroller of public accounts, in conjunction with various agencies, to conduct a study assessing the feasibility of creating such bilingual zones and their effect on the economy and international relations. By understanding the potential impacts, the Texas legislature aims to shape appropriate policies that would facilitate cultural inclusivity and economic cooperation within these bilingual zones. The report from the study is to be submitted by September 1, 2018, as stipulated by the bill.
Summary
House Bill 2678 focuses on the establishment of bilingual zones in designated areas within Texas, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill defines a bilingual zone as an area where both English and Spanish are recognized as official languages. This recognition extends to the provision of government services, legal proceedings, and employment, ensuring that residents can interact with state and local governments in their preferred language. The intent is to enhance language accessibility for the predominantly Spanish-speaking communities located in these areas.
Contention
While proponents argue that the creation of bilingual zones will strengthen community ties and improve access to essential services for non-English speakers, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and funding of such initiatives. Opponents might fear that prioritizing one language could lead to divisions within communities or could be seen as an unnecessary extension of government bureaucracy. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, these points of contention will likely be topics of discussion, reflecting the broader cultural dynamics at play in Texas.
Relating to border security enhancement projects, the creation of a fund to pay for those projects, and a study on certain projects; allocating the earnings on the fund balance and reimbursement of related expenditures; granting the power of eminent domain.
Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.
Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
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.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
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.