HR7074-118

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the State of Texas Operational Protections Act or the STOP Act.

2. Findings Congress finds the following: Certain sections of the southern border within the State of Texas lack sufficient protection posing a significant threat to the safety and security of the State’s residents. The Department of Justice stated that the Federal Government has the primary authority to regulate immigration and manage United States international borders. Due to the lack of action by the Federal Government, the State of Texas has been forced to continually appropriate funds and provide protections to secure the southern border of the United States. Since 2021, there have been over 6.7 million illegal crossings at the southern border, which has impacted Texans throughout the State. The Governor of Texas must have the capability to act and defend the State from the ongoing invasion at the southern border.

3. State operational protections The State of Texas reserves the right to implement operational protections along the international border, including physical barriers, increased law enforcement presence, surveillance technologies, and other measures deemed necessary to enhance border security and stop illegal crossings. The Texas Department of Public Safety shall collaborate with Federal, State, and local authorities to coordinate and implement operational protections in a manner consistent with State and Federal laws.

4. Authorization for border wall construction The State of Texas is hereby authorized to plan, design, and construct physical barriers, including but not limited to walls, fences, and other structures, along sections of the international border that are deemed vulnerable to illegal entry or other security risks by the Governor of Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety, in coordination with relevant State agencies, is tasked with identifying the specific areas in need of enhanced border security measures.

5. Reimbursement The State of Texas may seek reimbursement from the Federal Government for costs associated with constructing physical barriers, as well as implementing operational protections along the international border. The Texas Department of Public Safety shall submit requests for reimbursement to appropriate Federal agencies and work diligently to secure Federal funds to offset the expenses incurred by the State in carrying out the provisions of this Act.

6. Effective date This Act shall take effect 60 days after enactment of this Act.