The bill, H.B. No. 5234, amends Section 752.053(c) of the Government Code to provide an exception for local entities and campus police departments regarding their obligations to assist or cooperate with federal immigration officers. Specifically, the bill allows these entities to prohibit their employees from assisting federal immigration officers in matters related to activities occurring at domestic violence shelters and places of worship.

The new legal language inserted into the bill clarifies that the prohibition on cooperation with federal immigration officers applies specifically to activities at domestic violence shelters, in addition to places of worship. The bill aims to protect individuals seeking refuge in these sensitive environments from potential immigration enforcement actions. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 752.053 (Government Code 752)