The bill, S.B. No. 131, introduces a new chapter, Chapter 174, to the Health and Safety Code of Texas, focusing on the enforcement of certain federal laws during federally declared public health emergencies. It defines a "federally declared public health emergency" and establishes that state agencies, political subdivisions, and law enforcement officers are prohibited from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of federal statutes, orders, rules, or regulations that arise from such emergencies if they impose restrictions not present in Texas law.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that political subdivisions that engage in enforcing these federal laws will be ineligible to receive state funds. It allows individuals to file complaints with the attorney general regarding violations, and if the attorney general finds a complaint valid, they can seek legal action to compel compliance with the prohibition. The attorney general is also tasked with defending state entities against federal actions that align with the provisions of this chapter. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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