Republican State Sen. Tan Parker of Flower Mound has filed legislation intended to strengthen Texas’ security infrastructure.
Senate Bill 780 would establish a Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate multiagency and multijurisdictional efforts aimed at protecting Texans against security threats.
Parker’s legislation puts the HSD in charge of Texas’ border security operations, coordinating intelligence, and protecting the state’s critical infrastructure, such as energy, communications, and transportation systems.
Additionally, the measure establishes programs to assess and mitigate risks and collaborate with local governments.
“This legislation underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Texan,” Parker wrote in a statement. “By creating a dedicated Homeland Security Division, we are enhancing Texas’ ability to respond to evolving threats and ensuring a unified, strategic approach to safeguarding our state.”
“The challenges Texas faces, from border security to critical infrastructure threats, demand an innovative and unified response,” Parker added. “This bill equips Texas with the tools to protect our people and ensure resilience against the challenges of tomorrow.”
In June, the Republican Party of Texas passed eight legislative priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. Among the list, under “Border Security,” was to create a “Texas Department of Homeland Security to prevent illegal entry and trafficking, and to deport illegal aliens to Mexico or to their nations of origin.”
The 89th Legislative Session ends on June 2.
