TX
Texas House Bill HB4712

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4712

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

Caption

Relating to an annual report by the comptroller of public accounts on the fiscal impact to this state of persons not lawfully present.

Impact

The bill has the potential to influence state laws significantly by formalizing the need for a fiscal analysis that includes costs associated with healthcare services provided to individuals not lawfully present, expenses related to law enforcement, and educational services received in public schools. Additionally, it mandates cooperation among various state agencies, such as the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Education Agency, to provide data necessary for this comprehensive fiscal report. Through this structured approach, supporters argue that lawmakers can make more informed decisions regarding immigration policies and budget allocations.

Summary

House Bill 4712 is designed to mandate an annual report by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that outlines the fiscal impact of persons not lawfully present in the state. This legislation aims to provide transparency and accountability regarding the costs incurred by state and local governments in relation to these individuals. The report must detail various categories of impact, including healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, educational expenditures, and welfare assistance. By focusing on these areas, the bill seeks to quantify the financial burden on public resources attributable to individuals without lawful immigration status.

Contention

Despite its intended purpose of transparency, the bill has attracted points of contention. Critics argue that focusing on the costs associated with persons not lawfully present could foster negative perceptions and stigmatize immigrant communities. They express concerns that such fiscal reports might lead to policies that are punitive rather than constructive, further marginalizing those who are already vulnerable. The debate over HB4712 reflects broader national dialogues concerning immigration, state resources, and the responsibilities of government to all residents, regardless of their legal status.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB4370

Relating to the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller.

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 HB2530

Relating to state savings achieved through a budget savings program administered by the comptroller of public accounts making an appropriation of a portion of those savings.

TX HB61

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 HB2691

Relating to the authority of the comptroller of public accounts to issue certain payments to persons who are indebted or delinquent in taxes owed to the state and to state agency reporting requirements regarding such persons.

TX SB1340

Relating to the local development agreement database maintained by the comptroller of public accounts.

TX HB41

Relating to the establishment of a parental empowerment program administered by the comptroller of public accounts.

TX HB62

Relating to the establishment of a parental empowerment program administered by the comptroller of public accounts.

Similar Bills

TX SB2568

Relating to a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons.

TX SB357

Relating to a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons.

TX HB2640

Relating to the cost of confinement and imprisonment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for that cost.

TX HB306

Relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for those benefits and services.

TX HB219

Relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for those benefits and services.

TX HB1308

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.

TX HB310

Relating to the cost of confinement and imprisonment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and reimbursement from the federal government for that cost.

TX HB2744

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify; creating civil penalties.