82R3094 YDB-D

By: Zerwas, Schwertner, Murphy, Callegari, H.B. No. 608

Bohac

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to state agency reports on the cost of services and

benefits provided to undocumented immigrants.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 2101, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 2101.016 to read as follows:

Sec. 2101.016. REPORT OF SERVICES AND BENEFITS PROVIDED TO

UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS. (a) In this section, "undocumented

immigrant" means an individual who is not:

(1) a United States citizen;

(2) a legal permanent resident of the United States;

or

(3) a qualified alien or nonimmigrant under the

Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Section 1101 et seq.) who

is legally present in the United States.

(b) Not later than December 31 of each year, each state

agency shall submit to the comptroller a report of the cost of

services and benefits provided to undocumented immigrants, with the

agency determining the extent to which undocumented immigrants are

served by the agency by:

(1) considering statements and other information

provided by the recipient of a service or benefit that identifies

the recipient as an undocumented immigrant, including place of

birth, registration with the Social Security Administration to the

extent that information may be lawfully obtained, and work history;

or

(2) using an aggregated statistical method developed

by the agency if it is not practical for the agency to directly

determine whether each recipient of a service or benefit is an

undocumented immigrant.

(c) The comptroller shall use the information reported

under Subsection (b) to produce a biennial report to the

legislature regarding the estimated financial impact of

undocumented immigrants on the state budget and economy.

(d) A report under this section must be produced using

aggregated statistical data that does not contain personally

identifiable information. Information sought for the preparation

of a report under this section may not violate any federal or state

laws, including rules, regarding privacy.

SECTION 2. Section 2101.016, Government Code, as added by

this Act, applies only in relation to an application for a service

or benefit that is made on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.