Texas House Bill HB98

Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

• Filed: 11/9/23

Caption

Relating to the recovery by the attorney general from the federal government of certain border security expenditures.

Impact

If passed, HB 98 would lead to a significant change in how Texas interacts financially with the federal government regarding border security expenditures. It stipulates the procedures for invoicing and recovering costs, which may enhance the state's ability to manage its financial resources more effectively. The bill allows the Attorney General to initiate legal action if invoices are not paid timely, thus providing a means for the state to assert its financial claims, potentially increasing state revenue sourced from federal reimbursements.

Summary

House Bill 98 establishes a framework for the Texas Attorney General's office to recover certain expenditures related to border security from the federal government. The bill mandates that the Attorney General assess the amount spent on border security in the previous fiscal biennium and submit an invoice to the appropriate federal agency for reimbursement. The proposed legislation is aimed at providing a structured process for Texas to recover funds, ensuring that taxpayers are not unduly burdened with border security costs that might be shared with the federal government.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 98 appears to be generally positive among proponents who view the bill as a necessary financial mechanism to recoup taxpayer money for federal responsibilities. Supporters believe this legislative initiative reflects a proactive approach to border security funding and fiscal responsibility. However, there may also be skepticism or concern regarding the efficacy of actually collecting such reimbursements from the federal government, which could be a point of contention during discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the challenges of implementing this bill effectively and the potential response from federal agencies. Critics may voice concerns about the feasibility of claiming these expenditures, as well as the impact on state-federal relations. Moreover, discussions could arise regarding the prioritization of border security expenses and how this might affect other funding initiatives within the state. The bill also establishes a threshold amount for reimbursements, which could lead to further debates on budget allocations and spending priorities relating to border security.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 402. Attorney General
  • Section: New Section