Texas Senate Bill SB767

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to accounting for costs incurred by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a result of the presence in this state of persons who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Impact

The passage of SB767 signifies a potential shift in how the state of Texas addresses funding and resource allocation concerning illegal immigration. By formally requiring TDCJ to account for these costs, the state is acknowledging the financial impact of undocumented individuals on local resources. Furthermore, the bill positions the federal government as responsible for reimbursing the state for these expenditures, indicating a push for greater federal involvement in managing immigration-related costs that affect state budgets.

Summary

SB767 is a legislative proposal that mandates the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to produce a report detailing the financial costs incurred due to the presence of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. This report must be submitted to key governmental figures, including the governor and the attorney general, no later than 30 days before each regular legislative session, covering expenses from the previous two-year period. The bill emphasizes the need for accountability in state expenditures linked to illegal immigration, ensuring that expenses from TDCJ are transparently documented and reported.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, there may be notable points of contention regarding its implications. Proponents are likely to argue that detailed financial reporting will highlight the burdens of illegal immigration on state resources and advocate for federal assistance. However, opponents might view this requirement as a political maneuver that could lead to stigmatization or further marginalization of undocumented individuals. Moreover, the expectation for federal reimbursement could lead to debates about the effectiveness of collaboration between state and federal agencies in addressing immigration issues.