Expands the state smuggling of persons offense to cover assisting entry onto certain lands without owner consent, increasing state criminal enforcement against illegal border crossings and related activity.
assists, guides, or directs two or more individuals to enter or remain on a cultural resource site or area, natural area, open space area, park, or agricultural land without the effective consent of the owner.
Broadens the existing smuggling offense by adding a new prong targeting transport or guidance of individuals onto protected or private lands, enhancing state-level immigration-related prosecutions.
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly: (3) assists, guides, or directs two or more individuals to enter or remain on a cultural resource site or area, natural area, open space area, park, or agricultural land without the effective consent of the owner.
⚠ Quote could not be matched to the bill text: treat this label with caution
Filed (completed)
Committee (completed)
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law
Status: Died (session ended)
Last action
2025-05-12: Committee report sent to Calendars
Filed
2025-02-04
Sponsor
Peter Flores R, Cole Hefner R + 2 cosponsors (2 D)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends the Texas Penal Code smuggling of persons statute to create a new offense for knowingly assisting two or more individuals to enter protected or agricultural lands without consent, which directly expands state immigration enforcement by targeting activities associated with illegal border crossings.
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