TX
Texas House Bill HB80

Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

Texas House Bill HB80

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

Impact

If passed, the bill is expected to amend several existing statutes, particularly those governing public safety and higher education. The establishment of a border protection unit would centralize efforts to deter illegal crossings and enforce laws against human trafficking and drug smuggling. Additionally, funding for infrastructure and public safety initiatives in border counties could improve law enforcement capabilities and resources, according to stakeholders.

Summary

House Bill 80 focuses on enhancing border protection and economic development services in Texas, particularly in the border region. The bill aims to establish educational programs and a dedicated border protection unit to address challenges such as transnational crime and public health threats. By instituting a grant program for institutions of higher education, the bill promotes the recruitment and training of professionals specialized in areas managing the complexities of border safety and health.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB80 appears to be supportive among lawmakers who prioritize border security, indicating a proactive approach to address ongoing issues along the Texas-Mexico border. However, there exists a contention regarding the allocation of state versus local authority in implementing certain border protection measures. Critics argue that potential overreach in federal or state control could undermine local governance capabilities.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill centers on the implications for local government authority and the effectiveness of heavy investments in border security when juxtaposed with socioeconomic conditions in border regions. Concerns have been raised that while the intention is to enhance security, the actual implementation may face challenges including resource allocation and the need for community-specific solutions to crime and public health issues.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 72. Office Of Court Administration
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 421. Homeland Security
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: New Section

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 59. Forfeiture Of Contraband
    • Section: New Section

Latest HB80 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB87

Duplicate Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

Similar Bills

TX HB87

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB7

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.

TX HB4307

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector within the State Auditor's Office and the appointment of deputy inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB4161

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general and the appointment of inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.

TX HB2426

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general, including the required appointment of deputy inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.