An Act Relating to the deployment of the Texas National Guard to the southern border of Texas for the purposes of repelling ongoing unauthorized entries and maintaining the integrity of the State.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
Section 1. Short Title
This Act may be cited as the "Texas Border Integrity and Security Act of 2024."
Section 2. Declaration of State Policy
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the integrity of the borders of the State of Texas is crucial to the safety, welfare, and overall security of its citizens. Unregulated and unauthorized entries across the southern border present ongoing challenges that necessitate immediate and decisive action.
Section 3. Directive to the Governor
(a) The Governor of the State of Texas is hereby directed to deploy a sufficient number of armed Texas National Guard troops to the southern border of Texas.
(b) The purpose of this deployment is to repel ongoing unauthorized entries and to maintain the security and integrity of the state's border.
(c) The Governor shall determine the exact number and deployment locations of the National Guard troops necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act.
Section 4. Rules of Engagement
(a) The Governor, in consultation with the Adjutant General of Texas and relevant security experts, shall establish Rules of Engagement (ROE) for the deployed National Guard troops.
(b) Such ROE shall be designed to ensure effective border security operations while upholding the constitutional rights of individuals and adhering to state and federal laws.
(c) The ROE shall include, but not be limited to, guidelines on the use of force, detainment procedures, and engagement with civilians.
Section 5. Funding
The Legislature hereby appropriates [specify amount] from [specify source of funding] to cover the costs associated with the deployment of the Texas National Guard as mandated in this Act.
Section 6. Reporting and Oversight
(a) The Governor shall provide monthly reports to the Legislature detailing the progress and effectiveness of the National Guard deployment.
(b) The Legislature shall maintain oversight of the deployment and may enact further legislation as necessary to ensure the objectives of this Act are met.
Section 7. Effective Date
This Act takes effect immediately upon its passage and approval.
Policy Statement on Texas Property Tax Reform
The proposed policy for modifying the property tax structure in Texas is further enhanced with an additional provision concerning the assessment of house values for taxation purposes. The policy now includes the following key elements:
Twenty-Year Limitation for School Taxes: Citizens are obligated to pay the school portion of their property taxes for a duration of twenty years. Following this period, they will be exempt from paying the school tax, provided they no longer have children enrolled in grades K-12, regardless of their age.
Exemption for Senior Citizens Without School-Aged Children: Citizens over 65 years old, who have never had children in the K-12 system and have paid property taxes in Texas for at least ten years, will be exempt from paying the school portion of their property taxes.
Fixed Taxation Basis on Original House Value: Crucially, the basis for the house value for property tax purposes will be capped at the price the citizen originally paid for the house. This means that regardless of market value fluctuations or improvements made to the property, the taxable value will not exceed the original purchase price. This provision aims to protect homeowners from escalating property taxes due to factors often beyond their control, like market surges or neighborhood developments.
These reforms are designed to provide financial relief and stability to Texas residents, particularly long-term homeowners, senior citizens, and those without direct beneficiaries in the public education system. The policy acknowledges the significant investment homeowners make in their properties and the state's education system over many years.
As with any major policy change, this proposal requires legislative review and approval. It is imperative to conduct thorough financial analyses to assess the impact on school funding and to explore alternative revenue sources, ensuring the state's education system remains robust and well-funded. The policy seeks a balance between fair taxation and adequate educational funding, considering the long-term fiscal health of both the state and its residents.
Title: "An Act Relating to the Establishment of Combined Term Limits for Members of the Texas Legislature."
Preamble: WHEREAS, the perpetual incumbency of lawmakers in the Texas Legislature can lead to a stagnation of ideas and a disconnect from the electorate; and WHEREAS, the introduction of combined term limits for service in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is intended to promote political diversity, encourage new perspectives, and ensure closer alignment with the changing needs of the populace;
Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the "Texas Combined Legislative Term Limits Act."
Section 2. Combined Term Limits Established. Beginning with the general election held after the effective date of this Act:
(a) No person shall be eligible for election to the Texas House of Representatives or the Texas Senate if that person has already served a combined total of eight years in the Texas Legislature, whether in the House, the Senate, or a combination of both.
Section 3. Calculation of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, a term is defined as the period between the first day of a regular legislative session following an election and the day before the first day of the next regular session following the subsequent election. The cumulative total of terms served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate shall not exceed eight years.
Section 4. Transitional Provision. Any term served in part before the effective date of this Act shall count as a full term for the purpose of calculating the eight-year limit.
Section 5. Severability. If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on January 1, [Next Full Year], and applies to elections held on or after that date.
An Act Relating to the Censure, Fines, and Business License Revocation of Entities Supporting Invaders to Texas.
Section 1. Short Title: This Act may be cited as the "Texas Business Conduct Act."
Section 2. Definitions: For the purposes of this Act:
- "Entity" means any business, for-profit or non-profit organization operating within the State of Texas.
- "Material support" includes financial assistance, goods, services, or other support provided directly or indirectly to invaders.
- "Invader" refers to any individual, group, or entity that illegally enters Texas with the intention of causing harm or disruption.
Section 3. Powers of the Attorney General and Secretary of State.
- The Texas Attorney General and the Texas Secretary of State are hereby granted the authority to investigate entities suspected of providing material support to invaders.
- Upon finding sufficient evidence of such support, the Attorney General or Secretary of State may issue a censure against the entity.
- The Attorney General or Secretary of State may impose fines on entities found in violation of this Act, subject to the limitations prescribed by Texas law.
- The business license of any entity found in repeated or egregious violation of this Act may be revoked.
Section 4. Enforcement
- The Attorney General's office shall have the primary responsibility for enforcing the provisions of this Act.
- Entities have the right to appeal any action taken under this Act in accordance with Texas law.
Section 5. Implementation
This Act shall take effect on [specified date] following its passage and approval.
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