Texas House & Senate Sign Off on Border Security Legislation, Senate Bill 3

(Austin, TX) – State Representative Terri Leo Wilson is pleased to announce the successful passage of Senate
Bill 3 (SB 3) in both the Texas House and Senate. As a proud supporter and co-sponsor of the legislation, Rep.
Wilson voted in favor of SB 3, which will now proceed to the governor’s desk for the final signature before
becoming law.
SB 3, a crucial piece of legislation, proposes to allocate $1.54 billion in general revenue to the Trusteed
Programs within the Office of the Governor for border security operations and the construction, operation, and
maintenance of border barrier infrastructure. The bill specifically designates $40 million of this amount to be
transferred to the Department of Public Safety for border security operations, including overtime expenses and
costs related to the increased law enforcement presence in the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County.
The funds allocated by SB 3 are intended for use over a two-year period, starting from the effective date of the
bill. However, SB 3 includes safeguards to ensure responsible use, stipulating that the money cannot be used for
property acquisition through eminent domain, building barriers on the Texas-Mexico border on property
acquired through eminent domain, or acquiring property for or building a barrier that abuts the boundary
between Texas and another state.
The primary objective of SB 3 is to deter and reduce illegal migration into Texas from Mexico by providing
additional funds for the construction of a border wall and other barrier infrastructure. With the escalating crisis
of illegal immigration and federal inaction in enforcing immigration laws, the state of Texas recognizes the
need to protect its citizens from the negative effects of an insecure border.
“Building additional barriers at the border is a strategic measure to prevent the entry of deadly drugs such as
fentanyl into the United States, protect landowners from theft and property damage due to illegal migration, and
reduce human trafficking and cartel-related crimes,” stated Rep. Leo Wilson. “The strategic placement of
border walls aims to deter illegal immigrants from attempting dangerous crossings and directs them to legal
ports of entry, ultimately saving law enforcement resources and enhancing border security.”
In addition to supporting the construction of border infrastructure, SB 3 allocates funds to the Department of
Public Safety for border operations, specifically addressing overtime expenses for state troopers. This includes
assistance to law enforcement at the Colony Ridge development, where rapid growth has strained local
resources. The bill grants DPS broad discretion to direct additional funds towards alternative border-related
expenses and does not preclude cooperation or agreements with local law enforcement. Lastly, SB 3 addresses
the impact on livestock and agricultural property, safeguarding them from damage caused by trespassing illegal
immigrants.