81st Legislative Session

We recognize the contributions of immigrants to our society by supporting their access to healthcare and education for the benefit of all of the community.

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Bill		Summary and Position	Resources
HB 48 This bill would require the suspension of certain licenses held by employers for the knowing employment of undocumented workers. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state to investigate citizenship or enforce federal immigration law. Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 49		This bill grants permission for a peace officer to arrest an individual without a warrant, if the officer has probable cause to believe that the individual has violated a civil or criminal provision of federal immigration law. The TCC believes that it is not the responsibility of state law enforcement to enforce federal laws and opposes any legislation that would allow or require state enforcement of federal laws.	Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 50		Current Texas law allows anyone who has lived in Texas for three years prior to graduating or receiving a diploma equivalent from high school and who has also lived in Texas for a year prior to enrollment in college to qualify for in-state tuition as a Texas resident. This bill would refuse resident status for the purposes of in-state tuition to those who have violated a civil provision of federal immigration law. The TCC promotes the Catholic Teaching that all people have a right to education. Therefore we oppose any efforts to reduce access to education for immigrants and we support efforts to ensure that students who attend Texas public schools are eligible for in-state tuition, as a means of making higher education more accessible to Texas primary and secondary school students.	Policy Paper: Support efforts to ensure students who attend Texas public schools have access to in-state college tuition
HB 81		This bill would prohibit the use of public money to print public documents in a language other than English. The TCC opposes this bill, recognizing that public documents are important to the furthering of public good, and that providing these documents in English only will prohibit some Texas residents from reading or fully understanding the information presented in them.
HB 139 This bill would make it an offense to transport an undocumented person in a manner that is designed to conceal the undocumented person from local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state or local government to enforce federal immigration law, and because this legislation may negatively impact those working to protect victims of human trafficking.			Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 192		This bill would allow students to be excused from classes in order to complete citizenship applications or participate in naturalization ceremonies.  The TCC supports this bill because we encourage all immigrants to seek legal status and support those seeking citizenship.	Policy Paper: Support comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to legalization
HB 193		This bill allows identity documents issued by other countries to be used as proof of identity for applicants for a Texas driver's license.  The TCC supports this bill because  it protects public safety by allowing immigrants to obtain a Texas driver's license.  This helps to ensure that immigrant drivers in Texas have passed the driver's exam and have proof of insurance.
HB 244		This bill would prohibit local government from requiring landlords to verify a tenant's immigration status prior to beginning or renewing a lease. The TCC supports this bill because it is not the responsibility of a landlord to determine immigration status of tenants or prospective tenants.
HB 253		This bill would prohibit state agencies from hiring employees on the sole basis that the prospective employee is bilingual. The TCC opposes this bill, recognizing that the state of Texas serves people who speak multiple languages and that the provision of certain services in a single language impedes communication from state agencies to the public.
HB 254		This bill would require undocumented immigrants to reside solely in "sanctuary cities," cities that have adopted a resolution declaring that it will not discriminate or deny services on the basis of a person's immigration status. The TCC opposes the bill because we support immigration policies that provide a pathway to legalization. This bill is an unrealistic policy strategy for creating solutions for Texas' immigration situation. In addition, mandating that a specific group of people must leave their communities, schools, places of work and worship and only live in specific cities denies the dignity and value that people contribute to the community and to the state.	Policy Paper: Support comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to legalization
HB 255		This bill would prohibit institutions of higher education from admitting applicants without first verifying that the applicant is authorized by law to be present in the United States. The TCC promotes the Catholic Teaching that all people have a right to education. Therefore we oppose any efforts to reduce access to education for immigrants and we support efforts to ensure that students who attend Texas public schools are eligible for in-state tuition, as a means of making higher education more accessible to Texas primary and secondary school students.	Policy Paper: Support efforts to ensure students who attend Texas public schools have access to in-state college tuition
HB 256		This law would deny citizenship to children born in the United States if the child's parents are not lawfully present in the United States. The TCC opposes this bill because the constitution guarantees birthright citizenship and it is the not the role of the state to determine citizenship.
HB 261		This bill requires state agencies and local agencies that adopt a rule or policy that does not fully enforce state or federal immigration law to forfeit or return any state funding related to immigration. The TCC believes that it is not the responsibility of local law enforcement to enforce federal laws and opposes any legislation that would punish state agencies that do not enforce federal laws.	Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 262		This bill requires school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to determine the citizenship status of students at their initial enrollment in the district or school, and report that information to the State Board of Education. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of school district staff to determine the immigration status of students.	Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 263		This bill proposes an 8% fee on all money transfers from Texas to Mexico or Central or South America. The fee can only be reimbursed by those who can prove that they are lawfully present in the United States. The TCC opposes this bill because it specifically targets undocumented Mexicans and Central and South Americans and takes money away from those who are sending money care to care for their families in these countries.
HB 266		This bill requires state agencies and law enforcement to enforce federal citizenship laws.  The TCC believes that it is not the responsibility of state law enforcement to enforce federal laws and opposes any legislation that would allow or require state enforcement of federal laws.	Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 370 This bill would establish English as the official language of Texas and require that official acts of government be taken in English. The TCC opposes this bill because in limiting the language of official acts of government to English, this bill may limit the availability of important information to Texans for whom English is not their primary language, or who prefer to read in their native languages.

HB 404

This bill would require local law enforcement to enforce the federal immigration law. The TCC opposes this legislation because it is not the role of local law enforcement to enforce complex federal immigration law. In addition, requiring local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law erodes public safety as it diverts attention from local criminal concerns and allows criminals to prey on immigrants. (See SB 358)

Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents

HB 416 This bill requires that recipients of money from the Texas Enterprise Fund participate in a federal work eligibility verification program. The TCC opposes this bill because the currently E-Verify system has database error rates that make it unworkable, and because it could lead to employment discrimination as well as an expanded cash economy which would lead to a loss from the Social Security Trust Fund.
HB 418		Current Texas law allows anyone who has lived in Texas for three years prior to graduating or receiving a diploma equivalent from high school and who has also lived in Texas for a year prior to enrollment in college to qualify for in-state tuition as a Texas resident. This bill would refuse resident status for the purposes of in-state tuition to those who have violated a civil provision of federal immigration law. The TCC promotes the Catholic Teaching that all people have a right to education. Therefore we oppose any efforts to reduce access to education for immigrants and we support efforts to ensure that students who attend Texas public schools are eligible for in-state tuition, as a means of making higher education more accessible to Texas primary and secondary school students.	Policy Paper: Support efforts to ensure students who attend Texas public schools have access to in-state college tuition
HB 622 This bill would require  employers who knowingly employ an undocumented person to have their license suspended. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state to investigate citizenship or enforce federal immigration law. Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents HB 658 This bill requires governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program. The TCC opposes this bill because the currently E-Verify system has database error rates that make it unworkable, and because it could lead to employment discrimination as well as an expanded cash economy which would lead to a loss from the Social Security Trust Fund. HB 1033 This bill would establish English as the official language of Texas and require that state documents and materials be written in English. The TCC opposes this bill because in limiting the language of official acts of government to English, this bill may limit the availability of important information to Texans for whom English is not their primary language, or who prefer to read in their native languages. HB 1035 This bill would require that an application or examination for a state-issued license be written in English. The TCC opposes this bill because in limiting the language of official acts of government to English, this bill may limit the availability of important information to Texans for whom English is not their primary language, or who prefer to read in their native languages. In addition, TCC supports the right for a person to find work and opposes limiting access to licenses necessary for some professions to only those who can read and write in English. HB 1061 This bill requires people who wish to receive or renew certain occupational licenses, driver's licenses, and identification certificate to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. The TCC opposes this legislation because it is not the role of local law enforcement to enforce complex federal immigration law.  Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents HB 1278 This bill expands ID options for people seeking to apply for a driver's license or personal identification certificate. The TCC supports this bill, which facilitates the process of obtaining these documents and in doing so also aids in public safety by increasing the likelihood that people will obtain these documents. Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 2077 This bill gives new Texas residents 90 days to obtain a Texas driver's license, which is an increase of 60 days from the current law. TCC supports this bill as a public safety initiative that gives drivers adequate time to familiarize themselves with Texas driver education materials. HB 2222 This bill would state that a peace officer may not inquire as to the nationality or immigration status of a victim or of a witness to a criminal offense, except as necessary to investigate the offense. The TCC supports this bill because it is not the role of the state to enforce federal law and also because it explicitly identifies criminal offenses as situations where witnesses may not come forward out of fear of being deported.  Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
HB 2514 This bill states that any non-US citizens who obtain benefits reserved for US citizens or exercises a right that may only be exercised by a US citizen commits the offense of impersonating a United States citizen and commits a third degree felony. The TCC opposes this bill because it criminalizes migration and it is the role of the federal government, not the state government, to evaluate immigration status.  HB 3969 Current Texas law allows anyone who has lived in Texas for three years prior to graduating or receiving a diploma equivalent from high school and who has also lived in Texas for a year prior to enrollment in college to qualify for in-state tuition as a Texas resident. This bill would refuse resident status for the purposes of in-state tuition to those who have violated a civil provision of federal immigration law. The TCC promotes the Catholic Teaching that all people have a right to education. Therefore we oppose any efforts to reduce access to education for immigrants and we support efforts to ensure that students who attend Texas public schools are eligible for in-state tuition, as a means of making higher education more accessible to Texas primary and secondary school students. Policy Paper: Support efforts to ensure students who attend Texas public schools have access to in-state college tuition HB 4480 This bill requires people who wish to receive or renew certain identification documents to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. The TCC opposes this legislation because it is not the role of local law enforcement to enforce complex federal immigration law.  Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents HB 4482 Current Texas law allows anyone who has lived in Texas for three years prior to graduating or receiving a diploma equivalent from high school and who has also lived in Texas for a year prior to enrollment in college to qualify for in-state tuition as a Texas resident. This bill would refuse resident status for the purposes of in-state tuition to those who have violated a civil provision of federal immigration law. The TCC promotes the Catholic Teaching that all people have a right to education. Therefore we oppose any efforts to reduce access to education for immigrants and we support efforts to ensure that students who attend Texas public schools are eligible for in-state tuition, as a means of making higher education more accessible to Texas primary and secondary school students. Policy Paper: Support efforts to ensure students who attend Texas public schools have access to in-state college tuition HB 4483 This bill requires state and local entities to verify citizenship or immigration status prior to providing certain public benefits. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state to enforce federal Immigration law and because it is not in the interest of public safety or the promotion of the dignity of the human person to deny public benefits to those in need, especially to children and those most vulnerable. HB 4484 This bill would make it an offense to transport an undocumented person in a manner that is designed to conceal the undocumented person from local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state or local government to enforce federal immigration law, and because this legislation may negatively impact those working to protect victims of human trafficking. HB 4675 This bill requires an individual applying for a driver's licenses, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status prior to receiving the license. The TCC opposes this bill, recognizing that limiting who may obtain a driver's licenses is a threat to public safety, as people may decide to drive without a license. In addition, verification of immigration or citizenship status is the role of Federal Immigration agents, not state or local agencies. SB 357 This bill would require the suspension of certain licenses held by employers for the knowing employment of undocumented workers. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the state to investigate citizenship or enforce federal immigration law. Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
SB 358		This bill would require local law enforcement to enforce the federal immigration law. The TCC opposes this legislation because it is not the role of local law enforcement to enforce complex federal immigration law. In addition, requiring local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law erodes public safety as it diverts attention from local criminal concerns and allows criminals to prey on immigrants. (See HB 404)	Policy Paper: Oppose local and state law enforcement acting as Federal Immigration Agents
SB 550 This bill would designate the office of the governor as the lead agency for border security. The TCC opposes this legislation because it is not the role of the state of Texas to enforce federal immigration law. SB 1677 This bill proposes to regulate immigration assistance services. Currently, the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the attorney General has been effective in prosecuting and closing immigration consulting offices that provide unlawful legal advice.  The TCC opposes this bill because it would provide legitimacy to predatory notaries and consultants that take advantage of immigrants, and would undermine federal and state laws that prohibit the unauthorized practice of law. SB 1784 This bill requires that Texas Driver's licenses list the citizenship status of the holder of the license. The TCC opposes this bill because it is not the role of the Department of Public Safety to determine applicants' immigration status or enforce federal immigration laws.  SB 2261 This bill allows for a passport from a foreign country, along with a valid visa, to serve as identification in seeking a Texas ID. The TCC support this bill because allowing immigrants to obtain a Texas license and insurance improves public safety for all on the roads.

Please Note: This report will continue to be updated throughout the Legislative Session.

Click here to view the Immigration Priorities on our Legislative Agenda.