Bill

SB 185

84(R) - 2015
Senate Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
Senate Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
Immigration
Law Enforcement

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Perry

Bill Caption

Relating to the enforcement of state and federal laws governing immigration by certain governmental entities.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 185 amends Chapter 370 of the Local Government Code by adding Section 370.0031, which prohibits a municipality, county, or special district from invoking an ordinance that prohibits the enforcement of Texas and federal laws in relation to immigration. This includes iniquiring into the immigration status of a person that is lawfully detained for investigation of a criminal offense or arrest. It also prohibits sanctioning a government entity from sharing information relating to someones immigration status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

This legislation does exclude school districts, open-enrollment charter schools and junior colleges, and hospitals, unless it is a commissioned peace officer employed by one of those entities that is inquiring.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This legislation prohibits the adoption of policies to create what is known as a "sanctuary city" which are notorious for impeding the government's ability to enforce state and federal immigration law, by not allowing local law enforcement to inquire about a persons immigration status. This legislation supports limited government by supporting an essential role of government which is to enforce our nation's laws with respect to border security and immigration.