88R8751 JRR-D
	By: Allison	H.B. No. 2038

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the use of proceeds from the sale of forfeited property
	to reimburse persons who suffered agricultural property damage as a
	result of an offense involving the unlawful entry into the United
	States.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Article 59.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended by adding Subsection (v) to read as follows:
	(v)  As a specific exception to Subsection (c)(1), the office
	of the attorney representing the state may use proceeds received
	under this chapter for the purpose of providing reimbursements
	under a program established by the office under Article 59.15.
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended by adding Article 59.15 to read as follows:
	Art. 59.15.  REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR AGRICULTURAL
	PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM OFFENSE INVOLVING UNLAWFUL ENTRY
	INTO UNITED STATES. (a)  This section applies only to an office of
	an attorney representing the state that:
	(1)  has executed a local agreement with law
	enforcement agencies under this chapter; and
	(2)  is located in a county that borders the United
	Mexican States.
	(b)  Each office of an attorney representing the state to
	which this section applies shall:
	(1)  establish and administer a program to reimburse
	persons who suffered damage to agricultural property as a result of
	an offense that:
	(A)  is subject to the jurisdiction of the office;
	and
	(B)  was committed in the course of or for the
	purpose of unlawfully entering the United States;
	(2)  establish:
	(A)  eligibility criteria for reimbursements
	under Subdivision (1);
	(B)  reimbursement application procedures; and
	(C)  procedures for evaluating reimbursement
	applications; and
	(3)  use proceeds received by the office under this
	chapter for the purpose of providing reimbursements under
	Subdivision (1).
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.