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Bill > HB20

TX HB20

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.

summary

Introduced
03/10/2023
In Committee
04/27/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/29/2023

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
88th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

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.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Border Protection Unit, a new division within the Department of Public Safety, to enhance security and defend the state's borders. The key provisions include: - Creating the Border Protection Unit, with a unit chief appointed by the governor, to defend and secure the state's air, maritime, and land borders. - Granting the unit expanded law enforcement powers to deter, apprehend, and detain individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. - Authorizing the unit to oversee the construction and maintenance of physical barriers along the border. - Allowing the unit to assist local law enforcement and coordinate border security efforts. - Imposing civil and criminal penalties for individuals who trespass while unlawfully entering the state. - Authorizing the suspension of entry into the state from foreign countries during public health emergencies. - Establishing a legislative oversight committee to provide research, analysis, and recommendations on border safety initiatives. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen Texas' border security and enforcement efforts through the creation of the new Border Protection Unit.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (56)

Brian Harrison (R)*,  Terri Leo-Wilson (R)*,  J.M. Lozano (R)*,  Matt Schaefer (R)*,  Ellen Troxclair (R)*,  Doc Anderson (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Greg Bonnen (R),  Brad Buckley (R),  Ben Bumgarner (R),  DeWayne Burns (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  Giovanni Capriglione (R),  David Cook (R),  Charles Cunningham (R),  Jay Dean (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  Frederick Frazier (R),  Stan Gerdes (R),  Craig Goldman (R),  Cody Harris (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Cole Hefner (R),  Justin Holland (R),  Lacey Hull (R),  Carrie Isaac (R),  Jacey Jetton (R),  Ken King (R),  Stan Kitzman (R),  Stephanie Klick (R),  John Kuempel (R),  Stan Lambert (R),  Brooks Landgraf (R),  Jeff Leach (R),  Janie Lopez (R),  Will Metcalf (R),  Andy Murr (R),  Candy Noble (R),  Tom Oliverson (R),  Angelia Orr (R),  Jared Patterson (R),  Dennis Paul (R),  John Raney (R),  Glenn Rogers (R),  Nate Schatzline (R),  Matt Shaheen (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  David Spiller (R),  Lynn Stucky (R),  Valoree Swanson (R),  Carl Tepper (R),  Kronda Thimesch (R),  Ed Thompson (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Terry Wilson (R), 

Last Action

Returned to committee (on 05/09/2023)

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