House Bill No. 4616 aims to address the issues of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and establishing a training program for law enforcement. The bill adds Sections 76.045 and 76.046 to the Penal Code, defining "transnational repression" and outlining the circumstances under which a person can be charged with this offense. Specifically, it criminalizes actions taken by individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations that aim to suppress protected conduct or enforce foreign laws without state or federal approval. The penalties for these offenses are elevated, with certain conditions leading to higher classifications of felonies or misdemeanors.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a training program for peace officers to help them identify and respond to transnational repression. This program will be developed by the criminal investigations division of the Department of Public Safety and will include information on recognizing targeted communities and the methods used by foreign entities. Furthermore, a study on the threat of transnational repression will be conducted, with a report due to the legislature by March 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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