The bill, S.B. No. 1005, amends Chapter 752 of the Government Code by adding a new subchapter that prohibits governmental entities from using public funds to provide legal services for individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States. Specifically, it states that unless required by the U.S. Constitution, governmental entities cannot provide public money for legal services related to immigration proceedings for these individuals, nor can they seek reimbursement from the state for such services.

The bill defines "governmental entity" to include state executive branch agencies and political subdivisions. However, it clarifies that this prohibition does not extend to providing attorneys for indigent defendants who are entitled to representation under the Code of Criminal Procedure. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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