By: Parker, Hall S.B. No. 1403

(In the Senate - Filed March 1, 2023; March 16, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Border Security; April 4, 2023, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; April 4, 2023, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE VOTE YeaNayAbsent PNVBirdwell X Flores X Blanco X Hinojosa X King X COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1403 By: Flores

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an interstate compact for border security, including building a border wall and sharing state intelligence and resources.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Title 7, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 794 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 794. INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR BORDER SECURITY

Sec. 794.001. AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP AND EXECUTE COMPACT. On behalf of this state, the governor shall develop and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states.

Sec. 794.002. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED. (a) It is the intent of the legislature that the compact developed and executed under this chapter not require congressional approval.

(b) The compact may not increase the political power of the compacting states in relation to the federal government.

Sec. 794.003. INTERSTATE COMPACT PROVISIONS. The compact authorized by this chapter must provide for joint action among compacting states on matters that include:

(1) sharing law enforcement intelligence on illegal activity occurring at the border with Mexico;

(2) sharing state resources in order to build a physical barrier, a comprehensive technological surveillance system, or both, on state land to deter or detect illegal activity occurring at the border with Mexico; and

(3) sharing other law enforcement resources to ensure the protection of personnel and property.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

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