BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 3

88S40135 KJE-D

By: Huffman

 

Finance

 

11/8/2023

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The continuing surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border poses an ongoing and imminent threat of widespread and severe damage, including injury and loss of life; loss of property and property damage; increases in property crime, human trafficking, and violent crime; threats to public health; and a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. S.B. 3 seeks to mitigate these threats by providing supplemental appropriations relating to border security operations and the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.

 

As proposed, S.B. 3 amends current law relating to an appropriation to provide funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure and border security operations, including funding for additional overtime expenses and costs due to certain increased law enforcement presence.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.� APPROPRIATION TO TRUSTEED PROGRAMS WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR.� (a) Provides that the amount of $1,540,000,000 is appropriated from the general revenue fund to the Trusteed Programs within the Office of the Governor for use during the two-year period beginning on the effective date of this Act for the purpose of providing funding for border security operations and the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.

 

(b) Requires the Trusteed Programs within the Office of the Governor, of the amount appropriated by Subsection (a) of this section, to transfer $40,000,000 to the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas for border security operations, including paying for additional overtime expenses and costs due to an increased law enforcement presence to preserve public safety and security in the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County, Texas.

 

SECTION 2. PROHIBITIONS ON USE OF APPROPRIATED MONEY. Prohibits the money appropriated by this Act from being used to:

 

(1) acquire property through the exercise of eminent domain;

 

(2) build a barrier along this state's international border with Mexico on property acquired through the exercise of eminent domain;

 

(3) acquire property for a barrier that abuts the boundary between this state and another state; or

 

(4) build a barrier that abuts the boundary between this state and another state.

 

SECTION 3.� EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.