88R10800 SCP-D
By: Blanco, et al. S.B. No. 2218
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the use of fiber-optic technology for the
purpose of border security.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety
of the State of Texas.
(2) "State agency" means a board, commission,
department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of
state government that was created by the constitution or a statute
of this state, including an institution of higher education as
defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.
SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The department shall conduct a study
on the feasibility of using fiber-optic technology along the
Texas-Mexico border for the purposes of border security. The study
must consider:
(1) the costs and methods of implementing fiber-optic
technology, including installation and maintenance;
(2) the effectiveness of fiber-optic technology as a
border security tool; and
(3) the possibility of contracting with one or more
private entities to implement a fiber-optic border security
program.
(b) The department may collaborate with any state agency or
council of government the department determines relevant to conduct
the study.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than September 1, 2024, the
department shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor,
speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing
committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over
border security or fiber-optic technology a report on the results
of the study conducted under Section 2 of this Act. The report must
include:
(1) an assessment of the feasibility of implementing
fiber-optic technology along the Texas-Mexico border as a border
security tool, including:
(A) costs related to implementing fiber-optic
technology, including installation and maintenance;
(B) the effectiveness of fiber-optic technology
in differentiating between animals, individuals, vehicles, or
other animate or inanimate objects crossing the border; and
(C) barriers or advantages to specific methods of
installation or maintenance of fiber-optic technology along the
Texas-Mexico border; and
(2) a recommendation by the department on whether:
(A) this state should implement a border security
program using fiber-optic technology; and
(B) a fiber-optic border security program would
best be managed by a state agency or one or more private entities
through a contract.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2023.