The bill, S.B. No. 1349, aims to establish new criminal offenses related to transnational repression and the unauthorized enforcement of foreign law in Texas. It introduces two new sections to the Penal Code: Section 76.045, which defines transnational repression and outlines the circumstances under which a person can be charged with this offense, and Section 76.046, which addresses unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Under these provisions, individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations can be charged with higher-level offenses if they engage in actions intended to suppress protected conduct or enforce foreign laws without state or federal approval.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a training program for peace officers to recognize and respond to transnational repression, as outlined in the newly added Section 411.02098 of the Government Code. The Department of Public Safety is tasked with developing this training program and conducting a study on the threat of transnational repression, with a report due to the legislature by March 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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