TX
Texas Senate Bill SB780

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB780

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

Caption

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The implementation of SB780 is expected to strengthen existing laws by creating a centralized body within the Department of Public Safety specifically focused on homeland security activities. This division will streamline efforts concerning border security and critical infrastructure protection, potentially leading to more efficient use of resources and enhanced collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal agencies. The initiative is poised to improve the state's ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks and respond to security emergencies.

Summary

SB780 establishes a new Homeland Security Division within the Department of Public Safety in Texas, aimed at enhancing the state's capability to secure its borders and protect critical infrastructure. The bill outlines the structure and responsibilities of the division, including strategic planning for border security operations and coordination among various governmental and private entities. Notably, the division will lead initiatives to address homeland security threats and contribute to the overall safety of the public.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a necessary measure to bolster state security, there may be points of contention regarding oversight and the potential for overreach in executing border security operations. Critics may voice concerns about the balance of power between state and local authorities, particularly on how these new operations might affect local governance and community safety. The implications of increased surveillance and intelligence operations aimed at securing critical infrastructure also raise questions about privacy and civil liberties.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 421. Homeland Security
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 045

Latest TX SB780 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB780

Companion Bills

TX SB36

Duplicate Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

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 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 HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB87

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB1126

Relating to the awarding of grants to certain entities for homeland security expenses.

TX SB2216

Relating to the awarding of grants to certain entities for homeland security expenses.

Similar Bills

TX SB36

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

IN HB1222

Regional public safety training fund.

NH HB1488

Relative to hazard mitigation funding.

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

US SB1425

Satellite Cybersecurity Act

IN SB0477

Threats to critical infrastructure.

WY SF0077

Homeland defense-infrastructure reporting and investigating.

WY SF0076

Protecting critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries.