Bill > HB176

This bill amends the Texas Government Code to expand the provisions of an interstate compact on border security with Mexico. The bill adds two new requirements to the compact: first, to the greatest extent possible, ensure operational control of the Texas-Mexico border, and second, provide mutual support for resources like infrastructure, equipment, software, and personnel needed to achieve border security goals. Additionally, the bill allows individual states to optionally establish joint agreements with federal agencies like the Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws, specifically referencing potential cooperation under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The existing compact provisions are maintained, which include sharing law enforcement intelligence about illegal border activities, sharing state resources to build physical barriers or technological surveillance systems, and sharing law enforcement resources to protect personnel and property. The changes will only apply to interstate compacts entered into on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB176