BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 825

By: Middleton

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Illegal immigration continues to be a major policy concern for the state, particularly in regions along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill sponsor has informed the committee that while anecdotal and localized reports suggest significant costs and burdens resulting from illegal immigration, including increased strain on public services, environmental degradation, property damage, and financial impact on state and local governments, there is no uniform, annual mechanism in place to measure and assess these effects in a comprehensive and data-driven manner. The bill sponsor has further informed the committee that without consistent reporting, the legislature and executive leadership lack access to updated information that could inform future policy responses, budget decisions, and coordination with federal partners. S.B. 825 seeks to address the lack of structured, statewide research and reporting on the multifaceted consequences of illegal immigration by requiring the governor's office to conduct an annual study on the economic, environmental, and financial impact of illegal immigration in Texas.

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

S.B. 825 amends the Government Code to require the governor's office to conduct an annual study on the economic, environmental, and financial impact of illegal immigration in Texas and, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to prepare and submit to the lieutenant governor and legislature a report containing the results of each study conducted in the preceding two years. The bill authorizes the governor's office to collaborate or contract with a state or federal agency, a political subdivision, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or other private entity to assist in conducting the study. The bill requires the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, on request by the criminal justice division of the governor's office, to coordinate with and provide information to the division.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.