H.B. No. 176 amends Section 794.003 of the Government Code to enhance the provisions required in an interstate compact on border security. The bill mandates that the compact must include joint actions among participating states, which encompass sharing law enforcement intelligence regarding illegal activities at the Texas-Mexico border, collaborating on the construction of physical barriers or technological surveillance systems, and ensuring the operational control of the border. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for mutual support in terms of resources, infrastructure, equipment, software, and personnel to effectively achieve the compact's objectives.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the compact to include provisions for joint actions related to the execution and enforcement of agreements with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, specifically for enforcing immigration laws. The changes apply only to interstate compacts entered into after the effective date of the Act, while those established prior will continue to be governed by the previous law. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 794.003 (Government Code 794)
House Committee Report: Government Code 794.003 (Government Code 794)