Increases criminal penalties for non-capital offenses if committed by an alien (non-citizen), so more severe state punishment tied to immigration status.
if an affirmative finding under Article 42.01992, Code of Criminal Procedure, is made in the trial of an offense other than a capital felony, the punishment for the offense is increased to the punishment prescribed for the next highest category of offense.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Immigration enforcementstate federal cooperationAI label
Requires judges to make an affirmative finding in the judgment that the offense was committed by an alien if proven beyond a reasonable doubt, facilitating use of that finding in immigration enforcement or federal proceedings.
In the trial of an offense, other than a traffic offense that is punishable by fine only, the judge shall make an affirmative finding of fact and enter the affirmative finding in the judgment of the case if at the guilt or innocence phase of the trial, the judge or the jury, whichever is the trier of fact, determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was an alien at the time of the offense.
✓ 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
2025-04-08: Referred directly to subcommittee by chair
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill creates a new requirement for courts to enter an affirmative finding that an offense was committed by an 'alien' (defined by reference to Penal Code 51.01) and increases the punishment level or minimum term for such offenses (except capital felonies), directly expanding state criminal enforcement measures tied to immigration status.
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