Bill > HB312

This bill adds a new section to the Texas Government Code requiring U.S. citizenship as a mandatory qualification for appointment or service in public offices, advisory boards, task forces, and governing bodies across state and local government branches (executive, legislative, and judicial). The new provision will apply to appointments made on or after September 1, 2025, and individuals who are not U.S. citizens and were appointed before that date will have their terms end on September 1, 2025, unless they become U.S. citizens by that date. The bill does include an important exception: it does not apply to offices where federal or state constitutional provisions already specify exclusive qualification requirements. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to ensure that public offices and advisory positions are filled by United States citizens, potentially limiting the participation of non-citizens in governmental roles at the state and local levels in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB312