Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Impact
If passed, HB 133 would significantly affect existing state laws by introducing new categorically defined offenses. The bill aims to enhance the tools available to law enforcement to combat transnational repression and unauthorized activities carried out by foreign entities. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a training program for peace officers to equip them with knowledge about recognizing and responding to transnational repression, which is expected to improve the capacity of Texas law enforcement to deal with such threats effectively.
Summary
House Bill 133 seeks to address transnational repression by creating specific criminal offenses relating to unauthorized enforcement of foreign laws and the acts of agents working for foreign governments or terrorist organizations. The bill establishes two new sections within the Penal Code: one for transnational repression and another for the unauthorized enforcement of foreign laws. The law identifies conduct that is considered criminalized under these definitions and outlines penalties that are intensified for acts involving this repression.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding HB 133 reveal a supportive sentiment among proponents who advocate for strict enforcement against the influences of foreign entities on U.S. soil, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding basic rights from external threats. Conversely, there is also a cautious approach among critics who express concerns over potential overreach, particularly regarding the implications that such laws may have on civil liberties and the possible infringement on the rights to free speech and expression.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 133 include the concerns raised about the broad definitions provided in the bill, which some argue could unintentionally criminalize legitimate expressions of protected conduct under the First Amendment. There is an ongoing debate on balancing national security interests with the preservation of civil liberties, highlighting the potential ramifications on local and state law enforcement perspectives about compliance and jurisdiction. This collective scrutiny suggests that while the bill addresses a pressing issue, it may also provoke significant legal and ethical challenges ahead.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Penal Code
Chapter 76. Terroristic Offenses
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Identical
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Same As
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
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.
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.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation and indemnification of certain claims relating to the enforcement of that offense.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to official oppression and to law enforcement policies requiring peace officers to report certain peace officer misconduct; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.
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.
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.
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.