88R857 JCG-F

By: Spiller H.B. No. 82

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an interstate compact on border security and immigration enforcement.

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. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "illegal alien" means a person who:

(1) is not a citizen or national of the United States; and

(2) is unlawfully present in the United States according to the terms of 8 U.S.C. Section 1101 et seq.

Sec. 794.002. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE INTERSTATE COMPACT. On behalf of this state, the governor may:

(1) coordinate, develop, and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states; and

(2) seek the approval of the United States Congress for the compact.

Sec. 794.003. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL. The compact authorized by this chapter takes effect only if approved by the United States Congress not later than the 10th anniversary of the date the compact is executed by the governor under Section 794.002.

Sec. 794.004. INTERSTATE COMPACT PROVISIONS. The compact authorized by this chapter must provide for joint action among compacting states on matters that include:

(1) the operational control of this state's border with Mexico by the total detection and apprehension or deflection of illegal aliens attempting to cross the border into this state; and

(2) any other enforcement of federal immigration laws, including the detecting, apprehending, detaining, prosecuting, releasing, and monitoring of illegal aliens.

SECTION 2. 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 September 1, 2023.