Bill > HB2566

This bill, titled the Texas Criminal Alien Track and Report Act, introduces comprehensive provisions related to immigration status investigations by law enforcement. It expands peace officers' authority to inquire about an individual's immigration status during criminal investigations, allowing them to request identification documents and investigate immigration status under "reasonable suspicion" rather than the previous "probable cause" standard. The bill mandates that peace officers make efforts to verify an individual's immigration status after detaining or arresting someone, including contacting federal immigration databases. Municipal and county jails are now required to investigate and track the immigration status of individuals in custody, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice must publish quarterly reports on inmates subject to immigration detainer requests. The legislation also requires local entities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and establishes penalties for entities that refuse to comply, including potential civil penalties determined by the attorney general. Importantly, the bill stipulates that officers cannot consider race, color, religion, language, or national origin during these investigations except as permitted by constitutional standards. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to detentions, arrests, and investigations occurring on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2566