Proposed legislation would prohibit government entities from funneling public money into legal programs that aid illegal aliens.
Filed by State Rep. Mitch Little (R-Lewisville), House Bill 1086 would prohibit government entities from providing public money by contract, loan, or grant for the purpose of funding legal programs for illegal aliens.
Such programs include legal representation for immigration-related matters, administration of immigrant legal orientation programs, or a legal defense fund.
HB 1086 blocks public money from legal services aiding illegal aliens. It does not bar private money or public money given to legal services for legal aliens.
Government entities in Texas have spent millions in taxpayer funds to provide legal services to illegal aliens.
Harris County spent $1,141,056 on legal services for illegal aliens in fiscal year 2025.
The Bexar County Commissioners Court voted in 2025 to allocate $566,181 in county funds to similar legal services for illegal aliens.
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Bexar County, noting that total spending could exceed $1 million.
Paxton’s petition argued that subsidizing deportation-defense work for illegal aliens “confers no public benefit,” serves “predominantly private radical interests,” and falls outside any lawful power granted to counties.
HB 1086 will likely face an uphill battle in a Democrat-dominated Texas House.
The 90th Legislative Session begins January 12, 2027.
