November 2, 2023
(Austin, TX) – Texas State Representative Jared Patterson and his House colleagues passed a landmark package of bills noted as the strongest border security measures ever passed at the state level. These bills, HB 4, SB 4 and HB 6 take bold action to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border and are in addition to the more than $5 billion appropriated during the regular session for border security measures.
HB 4 creates state criminal offenses related to illegal entry into or presence in the state by an illegal alien. This desperately needed reform is the first in the nation to address the complete failure of the Biden Administration to enforce the laws of this nation. Under this bill, Texas law enforcement officials will be able to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants in Texas.
SB 4 increases penalties for the act of smuggling and operating a stash house. The legislation creates minimum prison sentences for both crimes and heightens the operation of a stash house from a misdemeanor to a felony.
HB 6 appropriates an additional $1.5 billion for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure. When added to the historic appropriation during the regular session, it brings the total investment in border security measures to more than $6.5 billion this year alone.
“When I first ran for office, Texas was spending a few hundred million for border security measures. Under the failed Biden Administration, Texans have been forced to spend more and more to protect ourselves and our country from record illegal crossings, human trafficking and drug smuggling operations.” Rep. Patterson stated. “The current state of the border is unacceptable, and these historic measures are required to maintain the sovereignty of our state and our nation. When Washington DC fails, Texas stands in the gap.”
Jared Patterson represents House District 106, which encompasses the eastern portion of Denton County. During the 86th, 87th, and 88thLegislative Sessions, Patterson authored and passed initiatives in policy areas such as transportation, education, property taxes, as well as eliminated unnecessary and burdensome government regulations. Patterson serves on the House Committees on Calendars, Licensing and Administrative Procedures, and Transportation. He also serves on the Texas Cybersecurity Council. His family resides in Frisco.House Bill 7 creates a new division within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) called the Border Protection Unit (BPU). The BPU will respond to the state’s ongoing border security operations. HB 7 also establishes multiple programs, such as the Border Protection Court Grant system. This grant system is tasked with assisting local courts and the Border Property Damage Compensation Program, indemnifying Texans who suffer from damage from border-related trespassing. Despite the point of order which sent HB 20 back to committee, effectively killing it, amendments onto HB 7 reinstated much of the language from HB 20, which ultimately passed the Texas House.
Over 383 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized and over 8,700 attempts of human smuggling have been stopped by DPS since the beginning of Operation Lone Star in March 2021. House Bill 6 increases penalties for certain controlled substance offenses, expands the conduct constituting murder, and creates offenses for the manufacture or delivery of certain opioids. House Bill 800 increases the mandatory minimum sentence for human smuggling to 10 years in prison and increases penalties if the victim was sexually assaulted or seriously injured.
“The Texas House is committed to securing our southern border while the federal government chooses to ignore the lives and security of Texans.” stated Rep. Patterson. “I am thankful to Speaker Phelan for leading where the federal government has failed.”
Jared Patterson represents House District 106, which encompasses the eastern portion of Denton County. During the 86th and 87th Legislative Session, Patterson authored and passed initiatives in policy areas such as transportation, education, property taxes, as well as eliminated unnecessary and burdensome government regulations. Patterson serves on the House Committees on Calendars, Licensing and Administrative Procedures, Transportation and serves as Policy Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus Policy Committee. He also serves on the Texas Cybersecurity Council. His family resides in Frisco.
