The bill, H.B. No. 1353, aims to enhance international cooperation agreements between certain Texas state agencies and the United Mexican States, specifically focusing on funding for infrastructure investments. It amends Section 792.005(b) of the Government Code to expand the list of state agencies authorized to issue bonds for these purposes. The new additions include the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas, while the previous option of the Texas Turnpike Authority is retained.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 792.006 to stipulate that any agreement involving state treasury funds for projects, whether inside or outside Texas, must receive approval from both the governor and the Legislative Budget Board. It also introduces a new section, 792.007, which allows the specified agencies to create a funding mechanism to jointly invest in and leverage funding for infrastructure projects in Texas in collaboration with the North American Development Bank. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 792.005, Government Code 792.006 (Government Code 792)
House Committee Report: Government Code 792.005, Government Code 792.006 (Government Code 792)
Engrossed: Government Code 792.005, Government Code 792.006 (Government Code 792)