Expands a compensation program for property damage caused by trespassers engaged in border crimes (including human smuggling and illegal entry offenses tied to transnational activity), making it easier for landowners to receive state funds for damages from such activity and related law enforcement.
From the funding sources described by Subsection (a-1) [deleted: money appropriated for the purpose], the attorney general shall establish and administer a program to compensate landowners and lessees who suffer [deleted: real property] damage to agricultural land, including buildings or other improvements, or to livestock, timber, or crops on agricultural land, caused by: (1) a trespasser as a result of an offense under Chapter 28, Penal Code, that was committed in the course of or in furtherance of a border crime; or (2) a law enforcement response to a trespasser who was engaged in a border
Broadens the definition of 'border crime' and the scope of the compensation program to cover more types of damage (including debris cleanup, livestock, timber, crops) from offenses tied to transnational criminal activity, increasing state support for affected landowners.
"Border crime" means conduct: (A) constituting an offense under: (i) Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code; (ii) Section 20.05, 20.06, or 38.04, Penal Code; or (iii) Chapter 20A, Penal Code; and (B) involving transnational criminal activity.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Filed (completed)
Committee
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law
Status: Died (session ended)
Last action
2025-04-22: Committee report sent to Calendars
Filed
2024-11-12
Sponsor
Ryan Guillen R, Eddie Morales D, Richard Raymond D + 2 cosponsors (2 R)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends an existing compensation program for damage from border-related crimes (human smuggling, evasion, trafficking tied to transnational activity), broadening eligibility, covered damages, funding sources, and administration while removing prior limits to real property only; this expands immigration-enforcement measures by increasing state resources and support tied to border crimes without restricting enforcement.
Related bills
HB111Relating to a prohibition on the installation or construction of border security infrastructure on state park property.↓Restricts immigration enforcement Filed
HB137Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state and local contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the le↑Expands immigration enforcement↑Expands immigration enforcement Filed
SB49Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including measures to recruit health care pro↑Expands immigration enforcement↑Expands immigration enforcement Filed
SB273Relating to a prohibition on the installation or construction of border security infrastructure on state park property.↓Restricts immigration enforcement↓Restricts immigration enforcement Filed
Hearings and calendar
2025-03-26 08:00 · Hearing · House State Affairs Committee Hearing JHR 140