Call to Action - Sen. Border Security Committee Hearing

Citizen’s Call to Action

Earlier today, a Senate Border Security Committee hearing was scheduled for this upcoming Thursday, March 23. The hearing is currently scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. in room E1.016 (possibly will change, so please check Texas Legislator Online to double check time & room number before the hearing begins).

Several very important bills that Alliance for a Safe Texas supports are scheduled to be heard. Undoubtedly, Thursday’s hearing will make for a very long day; however, for those who are able to attend in person and testify, please do so. Surely, several from the open border crowd will show up.

For those unable to attend in person, please contact those on the Senate Border Security Committee and stress your support for each of the bills below, asking them to advance the bills favorably out of committee (see the end of the post for office phone numbers of those on the committee).

Below is the list of bills currently on the schedule to be heard.

SB 600 by Sen. Birdwell. Bill Caption: Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons.

-          This bill makes it a mandatory 5-year sentencing for smuggling. Read the text of the bill in its current form here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB00600I.pdf#navpanes=0

SB 1403 by Sen. Parker. Bill Caption: Relating to an interstate compact for border security, including building a border wall and sharing state intelligence and resources.

-          The bill is pretty self-explanatory. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB01403I.pdf#navpanes=0

SB 1427 by Sen. Flores. Bill Caption: Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders, increasing criminal penalties.

-          Increases charges of smuggling and trafficking. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB01427I.pdf#navpanes=0

SB 1709 by Sen. King. Bill Caption: Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity, increasing criminal penalties. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB01709I.pdf#navpanes=0

-          I particularly appreciate the explicit targeting of “transnational criminal organizations” in this bill. Ties in with Friday’s podcast and the trafficking of unaccompanied minors.

SB 1900 by Sen. Birdwell. Bill Caption: Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by the compilation of information regarding certain civil actions brought against and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB01900I.pdf#navpanes=0

-          Another good bill aimed at defining and targeting foreign criminal organizations and gangs operating in Texas.

SB 2424 by Sen. Birdwell. Bill Caption: Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from foreign nationals. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB02424I.pdf#navpanes=0

-          The bill defines “improper entry” and increases some penalties to a state felony.

SCR 23 by Sen. Kolkhorst. Bill Caption: Urging the federal government to declare foreign drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Read the text of the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SCR23

Contact the Senator’s offices that are serving on the Border Security Committee Hearing.

Office Numbers are Provided Below:

Senator Brian Birdwell – Rep.: (512) 463-0122

Senator Pete Flores – Rep.: (512) 463-0124

Sen. Cesar Blanco – Dem.: (512) 463-0129

Sen. Juan Hinojosa – Dem.: (512) 463-0120

Sen. Phil King – Rep.: (512) 463-0110

Please remember to be respectful and encourage the Senators to put Texas first. While they are serving on the committee, they must consider every Texan’s support/concerns, not just their direct constituents.

Sorry for the late-night post, but I just returned from speaking out of town and have to pack for a very long day tomorrow. However, I wanted to get the information out asap. Hope to see some of y’all at the Capitol Thursday. Night y’all!

For Texas,

Sheena