relating to border protection and economic development services,
programs, and other measures, including establishing educational
programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address
certain issues affecting the border region, including
transnational and other criminal activity and public health
threats.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
ARTICLE 1. LEGISLATIVE FINDING
SECTION 1.01. The legislature, acting with the governor,
has the solemn duty to protect and defend the citizens of this state
and maintain sovereignty over this state's borders.
ARTICLE 2. BORDER PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
SECTION 2.01. Title 7, Government Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 795 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 795. BORDER PROTECTION AGREEMENTS WITH UNITED MEXICAN
STATES
Sec.795.001.AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENTS. On behalf of this
state, the governor may coordinate, develop, and execute agreements
with the United Mexican States and the states of the United Mexican
States regarding the authority of this state to protect and defend
its citizens.
ARTICLE 3. BORDER REGION COURT PROGRAM
SECTION 3.01. Chapter 72, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter H to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. BORDER PROTECTION COURT GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 72.201. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Border-related offense" means an offense:
(A) associated with or involving:
(i)a person unlawfully entering or
attempting to enter this state by crossing the Texas-Mexico border
at any place other than at a port of entry;
(ii)the smuggling of individuals or
contraband across the Texas-Mexico border; or
(iii)an operative of a transnational
cartel;
(B)similar to an offense described by Paragraph
(A) that the office by rule defines as a border-related offense for
purposes of this subchapter; or
(C)for which the office has determined
prosecutions have significantly increased as a result of Operation
Lone Star.
(2)"Border region" has the meaning assigned by
Section 772.0071.
Sec.72.202.GRANT PROGRAM. (a) From money appropriated
for that purpose, the office shall establish and administer a grant
program to support the operation of courts in the border region with
the adjudication of border-related offenses.
(b)In addition to other funds appropriated by the
legislature and for purposes of administering and funding the grant
program, the office may:
(1)seek and apply for any available federal funds;
and
(2)solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations
from any other source, public or private, as necessary to ensure
resources are available to achieve the purpose described by
Subsection (a).
(c)The grants awarded under this subchapter may be used for
the reimbursement of costs associated with the operation of a
court, including the:
(1)salary of a visiting judge appointed under Chapter
74;
(2)salary and benefits of an associate judge, court
coordinator, court administrator, court reporter, and court
interpreter;
(3)salary and benefits of district and county clStatutes affected: Introduced: Government Code 411.002, Government Code 411.004, Government Code 411.006, Government Code 411.007, Government Code 411.017 (Government Code 411)