BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 180

By: Guillen

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that there is a lack of a formal framework for Texas to collaborate directly with Mexican states and federal authorities on border security issues, meaning efforts to enhance border safety are less coordinated, leading to gaps in enforcement, delays in communication, and inefficiencies in addressing cross-border challenges like unauthorized migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. H.B. 180 seeks to enhance border protection efforts through international cooperation between Texas and Mexico, which is vital to decreasing illegal activity and protecting our border, by giving the governor the tools needed to develop and execute agreements and coordinate with Mexico and its states regarding Texas' authority to protect and defend its citizens.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 180 amends the Government Code to authorize the governor, on behalf of the state, to 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. The bill authorizes the governor to 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 such agreements. The bill authorizes the appointed group to operate within the United Mexican States as practicable.

H.B. 180 establishes the following legislative findings:

· 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; and

· an individual entering this state from a foreign country must enter through a legal port of entry.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.