BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1240
	By: Guillen (Hinojosa, Adam)
	Economic Development
	5/9/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The definition of the "Texas-Mexico border region" varies across numerous state statutes, resulting in confusion and inefficiencies in government operations, funding distribution, and program implementation. Different agencies and legal codes apply inconsistent criteria to define the region, which impacts resource allocation and eligibility for state-supported initiatives.

This bill seeks to establish a uniform definition of the Texas-Mexico border region, reducing administrative inconsistencies, enhancing interagency coordination, and ensuring that resources intended for the border region are distributed more fairly and efficiently.

Section 2056.002(e)(3), Government Code, is amended to expand the list of counties included in the Texas-Mexico border region. Additionally, the following statutes are amended to adopt this unified definition: Section 61.0821(a), Education Code; Section 772.0071(a)(2), Government Code; Section 772.051, Government Code; Section 201.109(b), Transportation Code; and Section 6.112(a), Water Code. These updates create consistency across state law by standardizing the term "border region" as defined in Section 2056.002.

H.B. 1240 amends current law relating to certain governmental operations affecting the border region.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2056.002(e)(3), Government Code, to redefine "Texas-Mexico border region."

SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.0821(a), Education Code, to redefine "border region."

SECTION 3. Amends Section 61.506(b), Education Code, to require that a certain pilot program or programs be located in the Texas-Mexico border region as defined by Section 2056.002 (Strategic Plans), rather than Section 481.001 (Definitions), Government Code.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 772.011(d), Government Code, to redefine "border region."

SECTION 5. Amends Section 120.001(1), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "border region."

SECTION 6. Amends Section 201.109(b), Transportation Code, to require the Texas Transportation Commission, in carrying out Section 201.109 (Revenue Enhancement), to provide for certain actions, including increasing private investment in the transportation infrastructure, including the acquisition of certain transportation facilities in the Texas-Mexico border region, as defined by Section 2056.002, Government Code, rather than in the border region including certain counties.

SECTION 7. Amends Section 6.112(a), Water Code, to redefine "border region."

SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 2026.