Texas House Bill HB2337

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/3/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/14/25

Caption

Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of this state over United States military installations with respect to certain subject matters.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2337 would significantly affect the way Texas interacts with military installations within its borders. The proposed legal framework would allow the state to retain a degree of oversight and legal authority over these federal lands. This could lead to changes in enforcement of state laws in areas traditionally governed solely by federal jurisdiction, especially related to matters that impact community welfare, public safety, and legal procedures dealing with minors involved in the judicial system.

Summary

House Bill 2337 seeks to outline the provisions for establishing concurrent jurisdiction between the state of Texas and the United States over military installations. This bill allows the governor to accept the establishment of this concurrent jurisdiction with specific regards to military land used for federal purposes. The bill provides a structure for both full and partial acceptance of concurrent jurisdiction, specifying the subjects that can be included in such negotiations, notably juvenile delinquency and status offenses, which are significant considerations when discussing matters of jurisdictional authority.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2337 has been mixed among stakeholders. Supporters argue that establishing concurrent jurisdiction is necessary for better management and oversight of military facilities, ensuring state laws are upheld where relevant, particularly regarding public safety and community impacts. On the other hand, critics express concerns about potential federal overreach and the complexities that could arise from overlapping jurisdictions, potentially leading to conflicts in law enforcement and legal ambiguities.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding the bill involves the explicit mention of juvenile delinquency and status offenses, raising concerns from various advocacy groups about the implications of state-level jurisdiction over matters that affect minors. Critics argue that this could lead to harsher legal frameworks being applied to children that might not be appropriate under state law. The debate reflects broader tensions between state rights and federal powers, especially regarding military operations and their impacts on local communities in Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 2204. Acquisition Of Land For State And Federal Purposes
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