Texas House Bill HB3813

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the removal from office of a public officer of a political subdivision for policies or actions regarding immigration enforcement.

Impact

The implications of HB3813 are significant, as it effectively limits the ability of constituents to challenge the actions of public officials related to immigration enforcement strategies. By removing the provisions for civil actions under Section 752.0565, the bill might encourage a permissive environment for public officers in managing immigration policies without the fear of being removed due to citizen lawsuits for their actions. However, it raises concerns about accountability mechanisms for public officials in light of their decisions regarding immigration matters.

Summary

House Bill 3813 intends to repeal Section 752.0565 of the Texas Government Code, which relates to the removal of public officers for certain actions or policies surrounding immigration enforcement. The repeal means that any civil actions aimed at removing a public officer for violations pertaining to immigration-related policies will no longer be possible after the effective date of the bill. This bill seeks to prevent any past violations, specifically those that occurred before the bill's enactment, from leading to future civil removal actions.

Contention

The potential for contention around HB3813 revolves primarily around immigration policy and governmental oversight. Proponents may argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard public officers from undue legal threats when implementing immigration laws or policies. Critics, however, are likely to raise alarms about the lack of accountability, fearing it could lead to the arbitrary enforcement of immigration regulations and could infringe upon the rights of marginalized communities. This dichotomy reflects the broader national debate on immigration and enforcement policies at various levels of government.