By: Guillen H.B. No. 127
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state
  presented by transnational criminal activity, including by
  establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate
  persons affected by those threats.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. TEXAS HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION
         SECTION 1.01.  Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Art. 2.12.  WHO ARE PEACE OFFICERS. The following are peace
  officers:
               (1)  sheriffs, their deputies, and those reserve
  deputies who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under
  Chapter 1701, Occupations Code;
               (2)  constables, deputy constables, and those reserve
  deputy constables who hold a permanent peace officer license issued
  under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code;
               (3)  marshals or police officers of an incorporated
  city, town, or village, and those reserve municipal police officers
  who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter
  1701, Occupations Code;
               (4)  rangers, officers, and members of the reserve
  officer corps commissioned by the Public Safety Commission and the
  Director of the Department of Public Safety;
               (5)  investigators of the district attorneys', criminal
  district attorneys', and county attorneys' offices;
               (6)  law enforcement agents of the Texas Alcoholic
  Beverage Commission;
               (7)  each member of an arson investigating unit
  commissioned by a city, a county, or the state;
               (8)  officers commissioned under Section 37.081,
  Education Code, or Subchapter E, Chapter 51, Education Code;
               (9)  officers commissioned by the General Services
  Commission;
               (10)  law enforcement officers commissioned by the
  Parks and Wildlife Commission;
               (11)  officers commissioned under Chapter 23,
  Transportation Code;
               (12)  municipal park and recreational patrolmen and
  security officers;
               (13)  security officers and investigators commissioned
  as peace officers by the comptroller;
               (14)  officers commissioned by a water control and
  improvement district under Section 49.216, Water Code;
               (15)  officers commissioned by a board of trustees
  under Chapter 54, Transportation Code;
               (16)  investigators commissioned by the Texas Medical
  Board;
               (17)  officers commissioned by:
                     (A)  the board of managers of the Dallas County
  Hospital District, the Tarrant County Hospital District, the Bexar
  County Hospital District, or the El Paso County Hospital District
  under Section 281.057, Health and Safety Code;
                     (B)  the board of directors of the Ector County
  Hospital District under Section 1024.117, Special District Local
  Laws Code;
                     (C)  the board of directors of the Midland County
  Hospital District of Midland County, Texas, under Section 1061.121,
  Special District Local Laws Code; and
                     (D)  the board of hospital managers of the Lubbock
  County Hospital District of Lubbock County, Texas, under Section
  1053.113, Special District Local Laws Code;
               (18)  county park rangers commissioned under
  Subchapter E, Chapter 351, Local Government Code;
               (19)  investigators employed by the Texas Racing
  Commission;
               (20)  officers commissioned under Chapter 554,
  Occupations Code;
               (21)  officers commissioned by the governing body of a
  metropolitan rapid transit authority under Section 451.108,
  Transportation Code, or by a regional transportation authority
  under Section 452.110, Transportation Code;
               (22)  investigators commissioned by the attorney
  general under Section 402.009, Government Code;
               (23)  security officers and investigators commissioned
  as peace officers under Chapter 466, Government Code;
               (24)  officers appointed by an appellate court under
  Subchapter F, Chapter 53, Government Code;
               (25)  officers commissioned by the state fire marshal
  under Chapter 417, Government Code;
               (26)  an investigator commissioned by the commissioner
  of insurance under Section 701.104, Insurance Code;
               (27)  apprehension specialists and inspectors general
  commissioned by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department as officers
  under Sections 242.102 and 243.052, Human Resources Code;
               (28)  officers appointed by the inspector general of
  the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 493.019,
  Government Code;
               (29)  investigators commissioned by the Texas
  Commission on Law Enforcement under Section 1701.160, Occupations
  Code;
               (30)  commission investigators commissioned by the
  Texas Private Security Board under Section 1702.061, Occupations
  Code;
               (31)  the fire marshal and any officers, inspectors, or
  investigators commissioned by an emergency services district under
  Chapter 775, Health and Safety Code;
               (32)  officers commissioned by the State Board of
  Dental Examiners under Section 254.013, Occupations Code, subject
  to the limitations imposed by that section;
               (33)  investigators commissioned by the Texas Juvenile
  Justice Department as officers under Section 221.011, Human
  Resources Code; [and]
               (34)  the fire marshal and any related officers,
  inspectors, or investigators commissioned by a county under
  Subchapter B, Chapter 352, Local Government Code; and 
               (35)  officers of the Texas Homeland Security Division
  commissioned by the secretary of homeland security under Section
  425.202, Government Code.
         SECTION 1.02.  Subtitle B, Title 4, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 425 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 425. TEXAS HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 425.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Alien" has the meaning assigned by 8 U.S.C.
  Section 1101.
               (2)  "Homeland Security Division" means the Texas
  Homeland Security Division established under this chapter.
               (3)  "Border region" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 772.0071.
               (4)  "Secretary" means the secretary of homeland
  security. 
               (5)  "Local government" means a municipality, county,
  special purpose district, or other political subdivision of this
  state.
               (6)  "Office" means the office of the governor. 
               (7)  "Port of entry" means a port of entry described by
  Part 101, Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (19 C.F.R. Part 101)
  or 22 C.F.R. Section 40.1. 
               (8)  "State agency" means a board, commission,
  department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of
  state government. 
               (9)  "Federal agency" means a board, commission,
  department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of
  federal government.
         Sec. 425.002.  TEXAS HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION
  ESTABLISHED.  The office shall establish the Texas Homeland
  Security Division as a division within the office to provide
  cross-functional expertise to border protection operations and
  improve efficiency and effectiveness of the border protection
  operations of the state agencies and political subdivisions of this
  state. 
         Sec. 425.003.  SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY.  (a)  The
  governor shall appoint a United States citizen to serve as the
  secretary of homeland security in charge of the Texas Homeland
  Security Division.  The secretary serves until removed by the
  governor. 
         (b)  The secretary may appoint, with the advice and consent
  of the governor, deputy secretaries and assistant secretaries who
  shall perform the duties that the secretary designates. Deputy
  secretaries and assistant secretaries serve until removed by the
  secretary. 
         (c)  The secretary, deputy secretaries, and assistant
  secretaries are entitled to annual salaries as provided by the
  legislature.
         Sec. 425.004.  TERM OF AUTHORIZATION.  (a)  The Homeland
  Security Division is subject to appropriations from the legislature
  and continues in existence until September 1, 2031, unless
  reauthorized by the legislature. 
         (b)  This chapter expires September 1, 2031. 
         Sec. 425.005.  HEADQUARTERS; REGIONAL OFFICES. The Homeland
  Security Division must be headquartered in the border region. The
  Homeland Security Division may establish regional offices along the
  Texas-Mexico border.
         Sec. 425.006.  COOPERATION WITH BORDER PROSECUTION UNIT.
  (a) In this section, "border prosecution unit" means the border
  prosecution unit established under Section 772.052. 
         (b)  The Homeland Security Division shall cooperate with the
  border prosecution unit to carry out the duties of the Homeland
  Security Division and the unit. 
         (c)  The border prosecution unit as needed may assign a
  prosecutor from the unit to the Homeland Security Division
  headquarters or any regional office of the Homeland Security
  Division.
         Sec. 425.007.  GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS.  The Homeland
  Security Division may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any
  source, including private and nonprofit organizations, for the
  purposes of implementing this chapter. 
         Sec. 425.008.  FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL COOPERATION.  The
  Homeland Security Division shall coordinate with any federal or
  state agency or any local government as necessary to carry out the
  duties of the Homeland Security Division. 
         Sec. 425.009.  NO LIMITATION ON HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION
  AUTHORITY BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. A local government may not by any
  means limit the jurisdiction or authority of the Homeland Security
  Division. 
  SUBCHAPTER B. CONSOLIDATION OF BORDER OPERATIONS
         Sec. 425.051.  CONSOLIDATION OF STATE AGENCY BORDER
  OPERATIONS.  (a)  The secretary shall identify resources the
  Homeland Security Division needs to conduct border protection
  operations, including personnel, equipment, and facilities owned
  or controlled by state agencies that conduct border protection
  operations under Operation Lone Star. The secretary may identify
  any resources dedicated to border security that are owned or
  controlled by:
               (1)  the office of the attorney general; 
               (2)  the Department of Public Safety; 
               (3)  the Texas Military Department; 
               (4)  the Parks and Wildlife Department; 
               (5)  the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; 
               (6)  the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; 
               (7)  the Texas Commission on Jail Standards; 
               (8)  the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; 
               (9)  the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
  Judicial System; 
               (10)  the Department of State Health Services; 
               (11)  the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; 
               (12)  the Texas Division of Emergency Management; 
               (13)  the State Soil and Water Conservation Board; and 
               (14)  any other state agency designated by the
  governor.
         (b)  Each state agency that owns or controls resources
  identified under Subsection (a) shall dedicate those resources to
  the Homeland Security Division and its duties. 
         Sec. 425.052.  REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATE USE OF LOCAL
  GOVERNMENT RESOURCES. (a)  The secretary shall identify resources
  the Homeland Security Division needs to conduct border protection
  operations, including personnel, equipment, and facilities owned
  or controlled by local governments that conduct border protection
  operations along the Texas-Mexico border. 
         (b)  A local government that owns or controls resources
  identified under Subsection (a) may by written agreement with the
  Homeland Security Division dedicate those resources to the Homeland
  Security Division and its duties. 
         (c)  A local government that dedicates resources to the
  Homeland Security Division under this section is entitled to
  reimbursement for the use of those resources as provided by the
  written agreement under Subsection (b) and the General
  Appropriations Act. 
         Sec. 425.053.  EMPLOYMENT OF DEDICATED PERSONNEL;
  COOPERATIVE WORK.  (a)  A person who is dedicated to the Homeland
  Security Division under Section 425.051 or 425.052 remains an
  employee of the assigning state agency or local government but the
  person may be assigned duties by the secretary. 
         (b)  A person who is dedicated to the Homeland Security
  Division shall work cooperatively with employees of the Homeland
  Security Division and other persons dedicated to the Homeland
  Security Division under the guidance of the secretary to achieve
  efficiency in efforts by state agencies and local governments to
  enforce the law in the border region. 
         Sec. 425.054.  AUTHORITY OF DEDICATED PERSONNEL. (a) A
  person dedicated to the Homeland Security Division and its duties
  under Section 425.051 or 425.052 retains the authority of the
  office held by the person with the dedicating state agency or local
  government and may exercise any powers granted to the Homeland
  Security Division under this chapter with the approval of the
  secretary. 
         (b)  The secretary, with the approval of the governor, may
  assign the person additional duties consistent with the duties of
  the Homeland Security Division under this chapter. 
         (c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a
  person dedicated to the Homeland Security Division may not be
  granted any powers or authority that exceeds the powers or
  authority granted by other law to the office held by the person with
  the dedicating state agency or local government.
         Sec. 425.055.  USE OF DEDICATED PROPERTY.  Any property,
  including equipment or facilities, dedicated to the Homeland
  Security Division and its duties under Section 425.051 or 425.052
  may be used for the purposes of the dedicating state agency or local
  government or the purposes of the Homeland Security Division. 
  SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 425.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF HOMELAND
  SECURITY DIVISION AND SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY. (a) The
  secretary shall: 
               (1)  be directly responsible to the governor for all
  conduct of the Homeland Security Division; 
               (2)  act as the chief administrative officer of the
  Homeland Security Division; 
               (3)  act with the Border Security Advisory Council in
  an advisory capacity, without vote; 
               (4)  formulate plans and policies for the protection of
  the citizens of this state in the Texas-Mexico border region,
  including the air, maritime, and land borders of this state; 
               (5)  organize the Homeland Security Division and
  supervise its operation; 
               (6)  maintain records of all Homeland Security Division
  proceedings and official orders; 
               (7)  adopt rules and policies, subject to the
  governor's approval, considered necessary for the control and
  general administration of the Homeland Security Division,
  including rules governing the procurement of facilities and
  equipment for the Homeland Security Division and the training and
  working conditions for Homeland Security Division personnel; 
               (8)  issue commissions as peace officers, under the
  governor's direction, to members of the Homeland Security Division; 
               (9)  create as necessary, with the advice and consent
  of the governor, operational or administrative divisions within the
  Homeland Security Division and appoint heads of those divisions; 
               (10)  employ as necessary commissioned officers and
  other employees to perform Homeland Security Division operations
  and functions; 
               (11)  quarterly, annually, biennially, and any other
  time on the governor's request submit to the governor and the Border
  Security Advisory Council detailed reports of the operation of the
  Homeland Security Division, including statements of its
  expenditures; and
               (12)  prepare, swear to, submit to the governor, and
  file in the Homeland Security Division's records a quarterly
  statement containing an itemized list of all money received and its
  source and all money spent and the purposes for which it was spent.
         (b)  The secretary or secretary's designee shall provide to
  the governor and to employees of the Homeland Security Division, as
  often as necessary, information regarding the requirements for
  office or employment under this chapter, including information
  regarding a person's responsibilities under applicable law
  relating to standards of conduct for state officers or employees.
         Sec. 425.102.  BORDER OPERATIONS. The Homeland Security
  Division may conduct border security operations along the
  Texas-Mexico border, including: 
               (1)  law enforcement operations; 
               (2)  intelligence gathering, analysis, and
  dissemination; 
               (3)  surveillance and detection of criminal activity,
  including improper entry of individuals from foreign nations and
  the smuggling of individuals and controlled substances, using
  cameras, unmanned aircraft, and other technologies; 
               (4)  coordination and command of state agencies in
  border security operations led by the Homeland Security Division; 
               (5)  coordination of local, state, and federal agencies
  conducting border security operations, including tactical
  operations such as special response teams, brush teams, and special
  weapons and tactics teams; 
               (6)  training and education programs for the
  professional development of employees and agency partners carrying
  out border security operations; and 
               (7)  assisting local law enforcement with the
  investigation of crime. 
         Sec. 425.103.  LAW ENFORCEMENT BORDER PROTECTION FUNCTIONS.   
  The secretary may order commissioned officers under the secretary's
  authority to take, and the commissioned officers may take, the
  following actions to the extent consistent with the United States
  and Texas Constitutions:
               (1)  deter and repel persons attempting to enter this
  state unlawfully at locations other than ports of entry; 
               (2)  return aliens to Mexico who: 
                     (A)  have been observed actually crossing the
  Texas-Mexico border unlawfully; and 
                     (B)  were apprehended, detained, or arrested in
  the vicinity of the Texas-Mexico border; and 
               (3)  enhance the examination of aircraft, ships,
  vehicles, railcars, and cargo at or near ports of entry for the
  purposes of interdicting fentanyl and other dangerous drugs and
  interdicting human smuggling. 
         Sec. 425.104.  PURCHASE AND DEPLOYMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF
  CERTAIN TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT. (a) The Homeland Security
  Division, at the request of the governor, shall purchase, deploy
  and maintain technology and equipment to enhance the Homeland
  Security Division's ability to detect and suppress criminal
  activity along the Texas-Mexico border, including: 
               (1)  temporary border security infrastructure,
  including temporary barriers, buoys, fences, wires, roads,
  trenches, surveillance technology, or other improvements, designed
  or adapted to surveil or impede the movement of persons or objects
  across the Texas-Mexico border at locations other than ports of
  entry; 
               (2)  surveillance and detection technology to be
  deployed at and near each port of entry along the Texas-Mexico
  border to detect and deter the improper entry of individuals from
  foreign nations and the smuggling of individuals and controlled
  substances, such as fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and
  methamphetamine; and 
               (3)  the acquisition and construction of facilities,
  equipment and services to remove illegal immigrants from Texas. 
         (c)  The Homeland Security Division shall staff a sufficient
  number of commercial vehicle inspectors to inspect vehicles using
  technology described by Subsection (a)(2) without impeding the
  efficient flow of trade.
         Sec. 425.105.  OPERATIONAL PLAN TO COORDINATE BORDER
  PROTECTION. (a) The secretary or the secretary's designee shall
  develop and recommend to the governor, the legislature, and the
  Border Security Advisory Council a strategic plan that establishes
  the framework for the budgeting and operations of the Homeland
  Security Division, including homeland security strategies, to be
  administered by the Homeland Security Division and state agencies
  that provide assistance to the Homeland Security Division. 
         (b)  The strategic plan under Subsection (a) must include:
               (1)  goals and performance measures that involve
  collaboration with other state agencies and local governments; and
               (2)  an evaluation of 8 U.S.C. Section 1325(a) and
  other federal laws relating to the requirement that the admission
  of aliens into the United States occur only at ports of entry. 
         (c)  The secretary shall annually report to the governor, the
  legislature, and the Border Security Advisory Council on the
  implementation of the strategic plan. 
         Sec. 425.106.  ADVISORY COUNCIL ON BORDER PROTECTION
  TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT.
         (a)  The secretary shall convene an advisory council on
  border protection technology and equipment. 
         (b)  The secretary shall determine the makeup of the advisory
  council on border protection technology and equipment, considering
  domestic and international subject matter experts. 
         (c)  The advisory council on border protection technology
  and equipment shall develop and recommend to the governor, the
  secretary, and the legislature, a strategic plan that establishes
  the framework for the budgeting, procurement, implementation, and
  operations of border protection technology and equipment for state
  agencies and local governments. 
         (d)  The strategic plan under Subsection (c) must include: 
               (1)  goals and performance measures that involve
  collaboration and interoperability of state agencies and local
  governments;
               (2)  an evaluation of 8 U.S.C. Section 1325(a) and
  other federal laws relating to the requirement that the admission
  of aliens into the United States occur only at ports of entry; and 
               (3)  an evaluation of the relationship between the
  financial efficiency and operation effectiveness of various types
  of border protection technology and equipment. 
         (c)  The advisory council on border protection technology
  and equipment shall twice a year report to the governor, the
  secretary, and the legislature, on the recommendations of the
  strategic plan. 
         (d)  The Homeland Security Division shall hold an annual
  technology fair at which vendors of emerging border protection
  technology and equipment demonstrate the capabilities of the
  products. 
         (e)  The inaugural event required by Subsection (d) of this
  section must be held not later than September 1, 2024. 
         Sec. 425.107.  TECHNOLOGY POLICY; REVIEW.  (a)  The office
  shall implement a policy requiring the Homeland Security Division
  to use appropriate technological solutions to improve the Homeland
  Security Division's ability to perform its functions. The policy
  must ensure that the Homeland Security Division's capability to
  conduct border security operations and similar functions is not
  impeded by the use of obsolete or outdated technologies. 
         (b)  The office shall periodically review emerging
  technologies that may be deployed for border security operations,
  including technologies and equipment described by Section
  425.104(a)(2), to ensure the Homeland Security Division
  consistently adopts innovative technologies and solutions for
  those operations.
  SUBCHAPTER D. HIRING, STAFFING, AND TRAINING; AUTHORITY OF OFFICERS
  AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
         Sec. 425.201.  REGIONAL COMMANDERS. The secretary, with the
  approval of the governor, may appoint regional commanders to
  oversee the regional offices authorized by Section 425.005. 
         Sec. 425.202.  OFFICERS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES. (a) The
  secretary may commission, with the approval of the governor,
  officers of the Homeland Security Division as peace officers. 
         (b)  The secretary may hire any employees as necessary to
  carry out the duties of the Homeland Security Division, including
  noncommissioned officers.
         (c)  Officers of the Homeland Security Division are entitled
  to compensation as provided by the legislature and must be
  recruited and trained within the border region to the extent
  practicable.
         (d)  Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the secretary
  may appoint, promote, reduce, suspend, or discharge any officer or
  employee of the Homeland Security Division. 
         Sec. 425.203.  HIRING OFFICERS WITH PREVIOUS BORDER PATROL,
  TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OR MILITARY EXPERIENCE.
  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Homeland Security
  Division may, at the time an officer is hired for the Homeland
  Security Division, elect to credit up to four years of experience as
  a Border Patrol Agent of the United States Customs and Border
  Protection or as an Officer of the Texas Department of Public
  Safety, or a member of the armed forces of the United States for the
  purpose of calculating the officer's salary under Schedule C. All
  officers are subject to a one-year probationary period under
  Section 411.007(g) notwithstanding the officer's rank or salary
  classification.
         Sec. 425.204.  QUALIFICATIONS. (a) To be a commissioned
  officer of the Homeland Security Division, a person must hold a
  peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code,
  and meet any other qualifications set by the secretary. 
         (b)  To be a noncommissioned officer of the Homeland Security
  Division, a person must meet the qualifications set by the
  secretary by rule. 
         (c)  The secretary may provide by rule for the qualifications
  of any other employees of the Homeland Security Division. 
         (d)  The secretary may not employ an officer or other
  employee if the officer or other employee: 
               (1)  has been convicted of a violent offense; or 
               (2)  has been dishonorably discharged from the armed
  forces of the United States or the Texas military forces as shown by
  the service member's release or discharge documentation. 
         (e)  For purposes of Subsection (d): 
               (1)  "Texas military forces" has the meaning assigned
  by Section 437.001.
               (2)  "Violent offense" means an offense under the law
  of any state that has as an element the use, attempted use, or
  threatened use of physical force against any person. 
         (f)  The Homeland Security Division is an equal employment
  opportunity employer and may not discriminate against or give
  preferential treatment to any employee or job applicant on account
  of the individual's race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. 
         Sec. 425.205.  TRAINING. (a) The Homeland Security
  Division shall acquire equipment and facilities and conduct
  training necessary to carry out the operational, intelligence,
  communication, logistics, and administrative duties of the
  Homeland Security Division provided by this chapter or the
  secretary.  The Homeland Security Division shall conduct the
  training in the border region. 
         (b)  The Homeland Security Division shall expand programs
  for training officers to serve as members of a brush team.
         Sec. 425.206.  AUTHORITY OF OFFICERS. (a) A commissioned
  officer of the Homeland Security Division is governed by the law
  regulating and defining the powers and duties of sheriffs
  performing similar duties, except that the officer may make arrests
  and execute processes in a criminal case in any county in the state.
         (b)  A commissioned officer of the Homeland Security
  Division may, to the extent consistent with the United States and
  Texas Constitutions, arrest, apprehend, or detain persons crossing
  the Texas-Mexico border unlawfully, and deter persons attempting to
  cross the border unlawfully, up to the use of non-deadly crowd
  control measures.
         Sec. 425.207.  USE OF PERSONAL VEHICLE PROHIBITED.  
  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an officer or
  other employee of the Homeland Security Division may not use the
  officer's or employee's personal vehicle to conduct a traffic stop
  for any purpose related to the officer's or employee's duties. 
  SUBCHAPTER E. OFFICE OF AUDIT AND REVIEW; OFFICE OF INSPECTOR
  GENERAL
         Sec. 425.251.  OFFICE OF AUDIT AND REVIEW FOR HOMELAND
  SECURITY DIVISION. (a) The governor shall establish the office of
  audit and review within the Homeland Security Division and appoint
  a director to perform the duties under this section. The director of
  the office of audit and review of the Homeland Security Division
  shall serve until removed by the governor.
         (b)  The director of the office of audit and review must
  satisfy the requirements to be the Homeland Security Division's
  internal auditor under Section 2102.006(b) and is considered to be
  the Homeland Security Division's internal auditor for purposes of
  Chapter 2102.
         (c)  The office of audit and review shall coordinate
  activities designed to promote effectiveness in the Homeland
  Security Division's operations and to keep the governor and the
  legislature fully informed about deficiencies within the Homeland
  Security Division. The office of audit and review shall:
               (1)  inspect and audit Homeland Security Division
  programs and operations for efficiency, uniformity, and compliance
  with established procedures and develop recommendations for
  improvement;
               (2)  coordinate and be responsible for promoting
  accountability, integrity, and efficiency in the Homeland Security
  Division; and
               (3)  provide the governor with information relevant to
  its oversight of the Homeland Security Division.
         (d)  The Homeland Security Division shall provide the
  director of the office of audit and review with access to any
  records, data, or other information necessary to fulfill the
  purposes of this section.
         (e)  The director of the office of audit and review shall,
  with the advice and consent of the governor, determine which audits
  and inspections to perform and may publish the findings and 
  recommendations of the office of audit and review.
         (f)  The director of the office of audit and review shall:
               (1)  report to the governor regarding audits and
  inspections planned and the status and findings of those audits and
  inspections; and
               (2)  report to the secretary for administrative
  purposes and keep the secretary informed of any findings of the
  office of audit and review.
         (g)  The office of audit and review shall:
               (1)  independently and objectively inspect the
  Homeland Security Division to:
                     (A)  ensure that operations are conducted
  efficiently, uniformly, and in compliance with established 
  procedures; and
                     (B)  make recommendations for improvements in 
  operational performance;
               (2)  independently and objectively audit the Homeland
  Security Division to:
                     (A)  promote economy, effectiveness, and
  efficiency within the Homeland Security Division;
                     (B)  prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in
  Homeland Security Division programs and operations; and
                     (C)  make recommendations about the adequacy and
  effectiveness of the Homeland Security Division's system of
  internal control policies and procedures;
               (3)  advise in the development and evaluation of the
  Homeland Security Division's performance measures;
               (4)  review actions taken by the Homeland Security
  Division to improve program performance and make recommendations
  for improvement;
               (5)  review and make recommendations to the governor
  and the legislature regarding rules, laws, and guidelines relating
  to Homeland Security Division programs and operations;
               (6)  keep the governor, secretary, and legislature
  fully informed of problems in Homeland Security Division programs
  and operations; and
               (7)  ensure effective coordination and cooperation
  among the state auditor's office, legislative oversight
  committees, and other governmental bodies while attempting to avoid
  duplication.
         (h)  Chapter 2102 applies to the office of audit and review.
         Sec. 425.252.  INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR HOMELAND SECURITY
  DIVISION. (a) The governor shall establish the office of the
  inspector general within the Homeland Security Division and appoint
  the inspector general of the Homeland Security Division. The
  inspector general of the Homeland Security Division shall serve
  until removed by the governor.
         (b)  The inspector general of the Homeland Security Division
  is responsible for:
               (1)  preparing and delivering assessments concerning
  the administration of the Homeland Security Division to the
  governor, the legislature, and the secretary;
               (2)  acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of
  Homeland Security Division policy, fraud, and abuse of office,
  including any acts of criminal conduct within the Homeland Security
  Division; and
               (3)  independently and objectively reviewing,
  investigating, delegating, and overseeing the investigation of:
                     (A)  conduct described by Subdivision (2);
                     (B)  criminal activity occurring within the
  Homeland Security Division;
                     (C)  allegations of wrongdoing by Homeland
  Security Division employees;
                     (D)  crimes committed on Homeland Security
  Division property; and
                     (E)  serious breaches of Homeland Security
  Division policy.
         (c)  The inspector general of the Homeland Security Division
  shall report directly to the governor regarding performance of and
  activities related to investigations and provide the secretary with
  information regarding investigations as appropriate.
         (d)  The inspector general of the Homeland Security Division
  shall regularly present to the governor:
               (1)  reports of investigations; and
               (2)  a summary of information relating to
  investigations conducted under this section that includes analysis
  of the number, type, and outcome of investigations, trends in the
  investigations, and recommendations to avoid future complaints.
         SECTION 1.03.  Chapter 820, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter A-1 to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER A-1. CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT
         Sec. 820.021.  CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT WITHOUT
  PURCHASE. (a) A cash balance group member hired by the office of
  the governor for the Texas Homeland Security Division under Chapter
  425 who served active federal duty in the armed forces of the United
  States and obtains a peace officer license issued under Chapter
  1701, Occupations Code, while employed with the Homeland Security
  Division may establish military service credit not to exceed six
  months in the retirement system for the purposes described by
  Subsection (c) by submitting a request to the system in a form and
  manner prescribed by the system.
         (b)  The retirement system shall grant the military service
  credit of a member who submits a request as provided by Subsection
  (a) after the system verifies that the member is a cash balance
  group member and served the military service required by that
  subsection.
         (c)  Military service credit established under this section
  may be used only to determine whether the cash balance group member
  is eligible to retire and receive a cash balance annuity under this
  chapter. The service credit does not affect eligibility for any
  other purpose, including for purposes of determining eligibility to
  participate in the group benefits program established under Chapter
  1551, Insurance Code.
         SECTION 1.04.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2155, Government Code,
  is amended by adding Section 2155.151 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2155.151.  CERTAIN PURCHASES BY OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR.  
  (a)  The office of the governor is delegated all purchasing
  functions relating to the purchase of technologies and equipment
  for use by the Texas Homeland Security Division in border security
  operations, including technology and equipment described by
  Section 425.104, to ensure the Homeland Security Division
  consistently adopts innovative technologies and solutions for
  those operations.
         (b)  The office of the governor shall acquire goods and
  services under Subsection (a) by any procurement method that
  provides the best value to the office. The office of the governor
  shall consider the best value standards listed in Section 2155.074.
         (c)  At the request of the office of the governor, the
  comptroller or the Department of Information Resources, as
  appropriate, shall procure goods and services described by
  Subsection (a) for the office. The office of the governor may use
  the services of the comptroller or the Department of Information
  Resources in procuring goods and services described by Subsection
  (a).
  ARTICLE 2. BORDER PROTECTION PROPERTY DAMAGE PROGRAM
         SECTION 2.01.  The heading to Chapter 56C, Code of Criminal
  Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 56C. BORDER CRIME [LANDOWNER COMPENSATION FOR] PROPERTY
  DAMAGE COMPENSATION PROGRAM [CAUSED BY CERTAIN CRIMINAL
  ACTIVITIES]
         SECTION 2.02.  Article 56C.001, Code of Criminal Procedure,
  is amended by amending Subdivision (2) and adding Subdivision (2-a)
  to read as follows:
               (2)  "Border crime" means conduct:
                     (A)  constituting an offense under:
                           (i)  Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Health and
  Safety Code;
                           (ii)  Section 20.05, 20.06, or 38.04, Penal
  Code; or
                           (iii)  Chapter 20A, Penal Code; and
                     (B)  involving transnational criminal activity.
               (2-a)  "Border region" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 772.0071, Government Code.
         SECTION 2.03.  The heading to Article 56C.003, Code of
  Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
         Art. 56C.003.  BORDER CRIME PROPERTY DAMAGE [LANDOWNER]
  COMPENSATION PROGRAM.
         SECTION 2.04.  Article 56C.003, Code of Criminal Procedure,
  is amended by amending Subsections (a), (c), and (d) and adding
  Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a)  From the funding sources described by Subsection (a-1)  
  [money appropriated for the purpose], the attorney general shall
  establish and administer a program to compensate:
               (1)  landowners who suffer real property damage on
  agricultural land caused by:
                     (A) [(1)]  a trespasser as a result of an offense
  under Chapter 28, Penal Code, that was committed in the course of or
  in furtherance of a border crime; or
                     (B) [(2)]  a law enforcement response to a
  trespasser who was engaged in a border crime; and
               (2)  persons residing in the border region who suffer
  real or personal property damage caused by a person described by
  Subdivision (1)(A) or (B).
         (a-1)  The attorney general may use money from the following
  sources to establish the program described by Subsection (a):
               (1)  money appropriated, credited, or transferred by
  the legislature for purposes of the program;
               (2)  revenue that the legislature by statute dedicates
  for deposit to the credit of the program;
               (3)  investment earnings and interest earned on money
  held for purposes of administering the program;
               (4)  gifts, grants, and donations received by the state
  for purposes of the program; and
               (5)  proceeds received under Article 59.06(v).
         (c)  The attorney general may not award compensation under
  this article for [real] property damage caused by a trespasser
  [described by Subsection (a)(1)] unless the damage is documented in
  a written report by a law enforcement agency as having occurred in
  connection with a border crime.
         (d)  In awarding compensation under this article for [real]
  property damage caused by a trespasser [described by Subsection
  (a)(1)], the attorney general may not consider the outcome of any
  criminal prosecution arising out of the offense under Chapter 28,
  Penal Code, as a result of which the applicant suffered property
  damage or the applicable offense listed in Article 56C.001(2)(A).
         SECTION 2.05.  Article 56C.006(a), Code of Criminal
  Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The program established under Article 56C.003 is a payer
  of last resort for [real] property damage described by that
  article.
         SECTION 2.06.  Article 59.06(t)(1), Code of Criminal
  Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
         (t)(1)  This subsection applies only to contraband for which
  forfeiture is authorized with respect to an offense under Section
  [20.05, 20.06,] 20.07, 43.04, or 43.05 or Chapter 20A, Penal Code.
         SECTION 2.07.  Article 59.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by adding Subsection (v) to read as follows:
         (v)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this article,
  with respect to forfeited property seized in connection with an
  offense under Section 20.05 or 20.06, Penal Code, in a proceeding
  under Article 59.05 in which judgment is rendered in favor of the
  state, the attorney representing the state shall transfer the
  proceeds from the sale of the forfeited property under Subsection
  (a) to the comptroller for deposit to the credit of the border crime
  property damage compensation program established under Chapter
  56C.
         SECTION 2.08.  Article 56C.007, Code of Criminal Procedure,
  is repealed.
  ARTICLE 3. BORDER SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
         SECTION 3.01.  Subchapter B-1, Chapter 421, Government Code,
  is amended by adding Section 421.0425 to read as follows:
         Sec. 421.0425.  BORDER SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL.  (a)  The
  Border Security Advisory Council is a permanent special advisory
  committee created to advise the legislature and the governor or the
  governor's designee on homeland security issues impacting the
  security of the Texas-Mexico border and on streamlining statewide
  border security activities and initiatives.
         (b)  The council is composed of:
               (1)  the chair of the standing substantive committee of
  the senate with primary jurisdiction over border security;
               (2)  the chair of the standing substantive committee of
  the house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over border
  security and public safety;
               (3)  four senators appointed by the lieutenant governor
  who collectively meet the following requirements:
                     (A)  two senators must represent senatorial
  districts located in the border region; and
                     (B)  one senator must be the chair of the senate
  standing committee with primary jurisdiction over border security
  issues;
               (4)  four members of the house of representatives
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives who
  collectively meet the following requirements:
                     (A)  two representatives must represent house
  districts located in the border region; and
                     (B)  one representative must be the chair of the
  house standing committee with primary jurisdiction over border
  security and public safety issues;
               (5)  as nonvoting members, the executive head of or a
  designee from each of the following:
                     (A)  Department of Public Safety;
                     (B)  Texas Military Department;
                     (C)  Texas Division of Emergency Management;
                     (D)  Parks and Wildlife Department;
                     (E)  Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
                     (F)  Office of Court Administration of the Texas
  Judicial System; and
                     (G)  Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission;
               (6)  as a nonvoting member, the presiding officer of
  the border prosecution unit established under Section 772.052;
               (7)  the following nonvoting members appointed by the
  governor or the governor's designee:
                     (A)  one representative of a county located in the
  border region, other than a sheriff;
                     (B)  one sheriff of a county located in the border
  region;
                     (C)  one representative of a municipality located
  in the border region, other than a municipal police chief;
                     (D)  one police chief of a municipality located in
  the border region; and
                     (E)  one representative of the business community
  involved in international trade across the Texas-Mexico border; and
               (8)  other nonvoting members as determined by the
  governor or the governor's designee.
         (c)  The committee chairs described by Subsections (b)(1)
  and (2) are joint chairs of the council.
         (d)  A majority of the voting members of the council
  constitutes a quorum to transact business. If a quorum is present,
  the council may act on any matter within the council's jurisdiction
  by a majority vote.
         (e)  The council shall meet as often as necessary to perform
  the council's duties. Meetings may be held at any time at the
  request of either chair.
         (f)  As an exception to Chapter 551 and other law, for a
  meeting at which both joint chairs of the council are physically
  present, any number of the other council members may attend the
  meeting by use of telephone conference call, video conference call,
  or other similar technology. This subsection applies for purposes
  of establishing a quorum or voting or for any other purpose allowing
  the members to fully participate in any council meeting. This
  subsection applies without regard to the subject or topics
  considered by the members at the meeting.
         (g)  A council meeting held by use of telephone conference
  call, video conference call, or other similar technology:
               (1)  is subject to the notice requirements applicable
  to other meetings;
               (2)  must specify in the notice of the meeting the
  location at which the joint chairs will be physically present;
               (3)  must be open to the public and audible to the
  public at the location specified in the notice under Subdivision
  (2); and
               (4)  must provide two-way audio communication between
  all council members attending the meeting during the entire
  meeting, and if the two-way audio communication link with any
  member attending the meeting is disrupted at any time, the meeting
  may not continue until the two-way audio communication link is
  reestablished.
         (h)  In addition to the duties under Section 421.045, the
  council shall:
               (1)  use statistical analyses and other research
  methods to conduct an in-depth examination of border safety
  initiatives and programs in this state that includes:
                     (A)  an assessment of:
                           (i)  the efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  of the use of state and local funds in ensuring border safety;
                           (ii)  any duplication, overlap, and conflict
  between state-run border security programs; and
                           (iii)  the effectiveness of communication
  and coordination among state, local, and federal agencies
  responsible for or engaged in border security;
                     (B)  an identification of critical border safety
  problems; and
                     (C)  a determination of the state's long-range
  border safety needs;
               (2)  identify and anticipate challenges and threats to
  agencies' operations along the Texas-Mexico border;
               (3)  develop solutions to overcome the challenges and
  threats described by Subdivision (2);
               (4)  identify strategic opportunities agencies may use
  to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of their roles in
  this state's operations along the Texas-Mexico border;
               (5)  recommend to the legislature and the governor:
                           (A)  strategies to solve the problems
  identified under Subdivision (1)(B);
                           (B)  policy priorities to address the
  long-range needs determined under Subdivision (1)(C); and
                           (C)  measures based on objective research
  and analysis to help guide state border safety policies;
               (6)  advise the legislature and the governor regarding:
                           (A)  coordinating the goals and
  responsibilities for border security efforts of local and state
  agencies with jurisdiction over border security;
                           (B)  developing procedures for streamlining
  decision-making of local and state agencies with jurisdiction over
  border security; and
                           (C)  improving transparency of border
  security operations; and
               (7)  advise and assist the legislature and the governor
  in developing plans, programs, and proposed legislation to improve
  the effectiveness of border safety initiatives and programs.
         (i)  The council may hire staff or may contract with
  universities or other suitable entities to assist the council in
  carrying out the council's duties. Funding to support the operation
  of the council shall be provided from funds appropriated to the
  Texas Legislative Council.
         (j)  Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the
  council shall submit to the legislature and the governor a report
  that contains the recommendations described by Subsection (h)(5).
         SECTION 3.02.  Section 421.044, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 421.044.  COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES
  PROHIBITED.  (a) A person who is a member of a permanent special
  advisory committee created under this subchapter is not entitled to
  receive:
               (1)  compensation from this state for service on the
  committee; or
               (2)  except as provided by Subsection (b), travel
  expenses incurred by the person while conducting the business of
  the committee.
         (b)  A member of the Border Security Advisory Council created
  under Section 421.0425 is entitled to travel expenses described by
  Subsection (a)(2) as provided by the General Appropriations Act.
  ARTICLE 4. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES,
  EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES IN THE BORDER REGION
         SECTION 4.01.  Chapter 421, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter G to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER G. USE OF FUNDS FOR BORDER PROTECTION AND PUBLIC SAFETY
         Sec. 421.111.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Border region" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 772.0071.
               (2)  "Local government" means a municipality or county.
               (3)  "Office" means the trusteed programs within the
  office of the governor.
         Sec. 421.112.  USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS.  (a)  From money
  appropriated for that purpose, the office, as authorized by Chapter
  418, including Subchapter D of that chapter, shall make funds
  available to state agencies and local governments for the following
  purposes:
               (1)  the construction and maintenance of facilities
  related to prosecuting and adjudicating offenses committed in the
  border region, including court facilities, processing facilities,
  detention facilities for persons who are 10 years of age or older,
  regardless of gender, criminal justice centers, and other similar
  facilities;
               (2)  the payment of staff salaries and benefits and the
  payment of operational expenses related to providing law
  enforcement services;
               (3)  the purchase or maintenance of equipment related
  to providing public health and safety services in the border
  region, including law enforcement services, communication
  services, and emergency services, to enhance the safety and
  security of the citizens of this state;
               (4)  the construction and maintenance of temporary
  border security infrastructure, including temporary barriers,
  buoys, fences, wires, roads, trenches, surveillance technology, or
  other improvements, designed or adapted to surveil or impede the
  movement of persons or objects across the Texas-Mexico border at
  locations other than ports of entry;
               (5)  the construction of improvements, including
  surveillance and detection technology, to an area in the immediate
  vicinity of a port of entry to enhance vehicle inspection
  capabilities and assist in the investigation, interdiction, and
  prosecution of persons smuggling individuals or contraband,
  including controlled substances, such as fentanyl, cocaine,
  heroin, and methamphetamine, across the Texas-Mexico border; and
               (6)  the acquisition and construction of facilities,
  equipment and services to remove illegal immigrants from Texas.
               (7)  the construction or improvement of roadways and
  similar transportation facilities in the border region that provide
  for detailed monitoring of commercial motor vehicles traveling
  along the roadways and facilities in any direction within 30 miles
  of a port of entry.
         Sec. 421.113.  FEDERAL FUNDS; GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS.
  In addition to funds appropriated by the legislature and for
  purposes of this subchapter, the office may:
               (1)  seek and apply for any available federal funds;
  and
               (2)  solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations
  from any other source, public or private.
         Sec. 421.114.  RULES.  The office may adopt rules for the
  administration of this subchapter.
         Sec. 421.115.  REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (a)  The recipient of
  funds for a purpose described by Section 421.112 shall submit to the
  office reports on an interval prescribed by the office regarding
  the use of the funds and any other issue related to the funds as
  determined by the office.
         (b)  Funds received by a state agency for a purpose described
  by Section 421.112 are considered border security funding for
  purposes of reporting requirements in the General Appropriations
  Act.
         Sec. 421.116.  ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.  Unless otherwise
  provided by the appropriation, the division may use a reasonable
  amount, not to exceed five percent, of any general revenue
  appropriated for purposes of this subchapter to pay the costs of
  administering this subchapter.
         SECTION 4.02.  As soon as practicable after the effective
  date of this article, the office of the governor shall adopt rules
  as necessary to implement Subchapter G, Chapter 421, Government
  Code, as added by this article.
  ARTICLE 5. BORDER PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
         SECTION 5.01.  (a) The legislature, acting with the
  governor, has the solemn duty to protect and defend the citizens of
  this state and maintain sovereignty over this state's borders.
         (b)  An individual entering this state from a foreign country
  shall enter through a legal port of entry.
         SECTION 5.02.  Title 7, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 795 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 795. BORDER PROTECTION AGREEMENTS WITH UNITED MEXICAN
  STATES
         Sec. 795.001.  AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH
  AUTHORITIES OF UNITED MEXICAN STATES. (a) On behalf of this state,
  the governor shall coordinate, develop, and execute agreements with
  the United Mexican States and the states of the United Mexican
  States regarding the authority of this state to protect and defend
  its citizens.
         (b)  The governor may appoint a group of individuals
  responsible for meeting in person with the appropriate local,
  state, and federal authorities of the United Mexican States to
  coordinate, develop, and execute agreements under Subsection (a).
  The group appointed under this subsection may operate within the
  United Mexican States as practicable.
  ARTICLE 6. SEVERABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 6.01.  It is the intent of the legislature that every
  provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word
  in this Act, and every application of the provisions in this Act to
  every person, group of persons, or circumstances, is severable from
  each other. If any application of any provision in this Act to any
  person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be
  invalid for any reason, the remaining applications of that
  provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be severed
  and may not be affected.
         SECTION 6.02.  This Act takes effect immediately if it
  receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
  house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
  effect, this Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of
  the legislative session.