The bill, H.B. No. 3371, introduces a new section to the Government Code that allows the Governor of Texas to apply for reimbursement from the federal government for expenses related to securing the southern international border. Specifically, the Governor can submit an application detailing the incurred expenses during a specified period, and the application must clearly state that full payment is due from the federal government as soon as practicable. If the federal government does not pay the requested amount within a reasonable timeframe, the Attorney General is authorized to take legal action to recover the owed funds.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the initial application for reimbursement must request at least $4.72 billion for the fiscal biennium ending August 31, 2023, and $6.54 billion for the fiscal biennium ending August 31, 2025. Any funds received from the federal government under this provision will be deposited into the state treasury for the general revenue fund. The provisions regarding the initial reimbursement request will expire on August 31, 2026. The bill 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: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()