Relating to the eligibility of a person who is not a United States citizen to be appointed to or serve in a public office or on an advisory board or task force.
Impact
The introduction of HB312 is likely to significantly impact the state's public appointment process, as it requires existing non-citizen appointees to obtain U.S. citizenship by the effective date or vacate their positions. This provision could lead to a reduction in diversity within governmental advisory capacities and diminish the representation of immigrant communities. Organizations and boards that have traditionally included non-citizens may find themselves without necessary perspectives and expertise, potentially affecting the breadth of opinion and demographic representation in public decision-making processes.
Summary
House Bill 312 establishes a requirement for individuals appointed to public office or to serve on advisory boards and task forces within the State of Texas to be United States citizens. This bill amends the Government Code by adding a new section that explicitly enforces citizenship as a criterion for such appointments, effective September 1, 2025. The motivation behind this legislation is to ensure that only U.S. citizens hold positions of influence within state and local government agencies, thereby reinforcing the principle of citizenship as fundamental to public service in Texas.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics argue that it unnecessarily limits the pool of qualified candidates who can contribute to public service and governance, particularly in diverse communities with significant populations of non-citizens. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of having citizens in public office as a means of promoting loyalty and accountability to the nation. The debate reflects larger national conversations about immigration and citizenship rights, particularly in the context of public service and civic engagement.
Identical
Relating to the eligibility of a person who is not a United States citizen to be appointed to or serve in a public office or on an advisory board or task force.
Relating to illegal entry into this state from Mexico by a person who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate the housing needs of senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning.
Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for illegal entry into this state from Mexico by a person who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
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 the implementation of telehealth services programs at certain public primary and secondary schools and the appointment of a telehealth services program task force to conduct a study and issue a report concerning the implementation of those programs.
Relating to the implementation of telehealth services programs at certain public primary and secondary schools and the appointment of a telehealth services program task force to conduct a study and issue a report concerning the implementation of those programs.