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Bill > HB1303


TX HB1303

TX HB1303
Relating to certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, including the enforcement of those offenses; increasing criminal penalties.


summary

Introduced
11/13/2024
In Committee
03/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, including the enforcement of those offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Texas criminal law related to illegal entry and presence by non-citizens, primarily increasing criminal penalties for various immigration-related offenses. The bill changes the enforcement of immigration offenses by removing restrictions on arrests at certain locations like schools and religious institutions, while maintaining protections for medical facilities and sexual assault examination centers. Specifically, the bill escalates criminal penalties for illegal entry and re-entry offenses, transforming many misdemeanor charges into felonies with varying degrees of severity. For instance, illegal entry, previously a Class B misdemeanor, is now a state jail felony, and subsequent convictions become third-degree felonies. The bill also increases the severity of penalties for repeat offenders and those with prior criminal histories, with offenses potentially becoming second or first-degree felonies depending on the circumstances of previous removals or convictions. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and preserve the legal standard for offenses committed before that date. Overall, the bill represents a significant toughening of Texas criminal statutes concerning immigration-related offenses.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs (on 03/10/2025)

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