Bill Allocating $1.54 Billion for Border Security Sent to Governors Desk.

In a recent legislative move the Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 3, a bill aimed at appropriating $1.54 billion from the general revenue fund for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure and border security operations. While allocating an aggressive amount of funds to border barrier construction, this legislation outlines specific allocations and restrictions in an effort to address concerns related to eminent domain and the strategic placement of barriers.

Key Points:

1. Appropriation Breakdown:

• The bill designates $1.54 billion to the Trusteed Programs within the Office of the Governor for a two-year period.
• A portion of this amount, $40 million, is earmarked for the Department of Public Safety to bolster border security operations. These funds will cover additional overtime expenses and costs associated with an increased law enforcement presence in the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County, Texas.

2. Prohibitions on Fund Use:

• The legislation explicitly prohibits the use of funds for acquiring property through eminent domain.
• It also restricts the use of funds for building a barrier along the state’s international border with Mexico on property acquired through eminent domain.
• Additionally, the funds cannot be utilized to acquire property for a barrier that abuts the boundary between Texas and another state, nor can they be used to construct a barrier along the state boundary with another state.

3. Effective Date:

• The bill includes an effective date provision. If the legislation receives a two-thirds majority vote in each house, it will take effect immediately. Otherwise, it will become effective on the 91st day after the conclusion of the legislative session.

This proposed legislation reflects the efforts of grassroots activists to push the Texas government to enhance border security while addressing concerns related to property rights. 

Now that SB 3 has made it through both chambers of the Texas legislature, it awaits a signature from governor Abbott.

If you are in support of securing the Texas border and stopping the invasion, contact Governor Abbott and tell him you want him to sign SB 3 into law.

Governor’s office phone number:
(512) 463-2000