AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Congressional acts in 2006 and 2008 led to the construction of a border fence, known as the "border wall," along large portions of the United States-Mexico border.
Because the Rio Grande River is the actual boundary between Texas and Mexico, the border wall is north of the border, dividing numerous properties. For some Texans, their homes, businesses, and agricultural assets are south of the border wall, but north of the river, leaving them with diminished access to their property. Narrow gaps in the wall allow for some access, however, the gaps can be up to a mile apart and are not always accessible.
Despite numerous news reports, there exists no firm estimate on the number of
property owners in Texas affected, nor a general analysis of the impact of the
border wall on the Texas economy.
S.B. 1809 requires the comptroller of public accounts (comptroller) to study
the economic impact of the installation of the border wall on local
governments, and on businesses, families, and individuals. Not later than
December 1, 2012, the results of the study are to be reported to the
legislature.
The study will enable the legislature to better understand the effects of the border wall on both the economy and property owners.
As proposed, S.B. 1809 amends current law relating to a study by the comptroller of public accounts of the economic impact of the Texas-Mexico border wall in the State of Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. (a) Requires the comptroller of public accounts (comptroller) to study the economic impact of the installation of the border wall near the Texas-Mexico border on this state, on local governments, and on businesses, families, and individuals.
(b) Requires the comptroller, in completing the study under this section, to:
(1) focus on the effects of the installation of the wall on those businesses, families, and individuals who own land or operate on land that falls between the international boundary and the border wall; and
(2) analyze each parcel of land that falls between the international boundary and the border wall and each business that operates on such land.
(c) Requires a state agency or local government, at the request of the comptroller, to provide information and assistance in conducting the study under this section.
(d) Requires the comptroller to provide updates on the progress of the study required by this section as requested at interim committee hearings conducted by the House Committee on Border and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade.
(e) Requires the comptroller, not later than December 1, 2012, to report the results of the study conducted under this section to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the House Committee on Border and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade.
SECTION 2. Provides that this Act expires January 1, 2013.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.