Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a new state crime for illegally entering Texas from a foreign nation and authorizes state police to arrest violators.

Highlights:

• Establishes a new state crime for illegally entering Texas at any location other than a lawful port of entry from a foreign nation and authorizes state police to arrest violators (Sec. 1).

• Specifies first violation as a class A misdemeanor and subsequent and repeated violations as a first and second degree felony depending on number of repeated violations (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals granted a federal immigration benefit to be lawfully present in the country and seek asylum if they were approved for benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) between June 15, 2012, and July 16, 2021 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect December 1, 2023 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text