Texas House Bill HB172

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the employment and licensing of border security officers employed by the Department of Public Safety; making an appropriation.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws to create a new category of law enforcement officer specifically for border security. This initiative not only addresses the immediate staffing needs associated with border security but also aligns with broader legislative efforts to bolster state law enforcement capabilities. By allowing former military personnel, who may face challenges in traditional employment due to their vaccination status, to serve as border security officers, the bill illustrates an effort to utilize available personnel while also tackling public health controversies.

Summary

House Bill 172 seeks to establish a framework for the employment and licensing of border security officers within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas. This bill proposes specific provisions that allow the recruitment of individuals who have served in the United States military, particularly those who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination. It aims to create additional security personnel to support state efforts along the Texas-Mexico border, reflecting ongoing concerns over border security and residency policies in light of public health issues.

Contention

One notable point of contention associated with HB 172 is the eligibility criteria for the new border security officer position, specifically the provision requiring applicants to be military veterans discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. Critics may argue that this could potentially discriminate based on health choices and could impact the diversity of the law enforcement workforce. Furthermore, the allocation of substantial funding—$1 billion for salaries—raises questions about fiscal priorities, especially amidst ongoing debates over budget allocations within the state government.