Homeland and Border Security, Select

Committee Leadership

Chair

Phil King (R)

Senate District 10

Weatherford

Vice Chair

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D)

Senate District 20

McAllen

Committee Composition

Committee Membership

King, Phil (R) Senate District 10 Weatherford Hinojosa, Juan “Chuy” (D) Senate District 20 McAllen Hall, Bob (R) Senate District 2 Edgewood Parker, Tan (R) Senate District 12 Flower Mound Sparks, Kevin (R) Senate District 31 Midland

Interim Charges

1. Keeping Texas’ Skies Safe: Examine the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly known as drones, as it relates to public safety and study current partnerships with the United States government and Mexico that aid Texas agencies in defending against and disabling hostile drones. Make recommendations to determine which state agencies would best assist the federal government in drone mitigation; identify necessary prohibitions that protect critical infrastructure and public events; and strengthen penalties that close any gaps when protecting Texas’ skies.
2. Securing Texas Land Ports of Entry: Study security measures at Land Ports of Entry (LPOE) that connect Texas and Mexico and review the commercial vehicle inspection capacity of existing LPOEs. Review the LPOEs projected to open to commercial traffic, as well as proposed projects that could establish future LPOEs. Consider the establishment of a uniform inspection requirement at all current and future LPOEs. Determine the feasibility of providing inspections on southbound commercial traffic at all LPOEs. Make recommendations to standardize state procedures that secure Texas communities and LPOEs.
3. Combating Criminal Activities on Oversize and Overweight Routes: Evaluate the movement of oversize and/or overweight commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials throughout the Texas Border region. Review past accidents related to overweight fuel trucks and determine their overall impact on public safety, both on and off roadways. Make recommendations to deter transportation companies from overloading fuel trucks and to enhance public safety along oversize and overweight routes in Texas.
4. Shoring Up the Integrity of Export Fuel: Explore the current structure of export fuel in Texas and follow its path from a fuel rack or terminal to delivery. Consider the impact on state revenue of entities that falsely alter or modify the content of a load of fuel designated for export. Review the tactics utilized in the field when fuel transporters engage in tax evasion and money laundering, such as falsifying shipping documents. Make recommendations to close statutory loopholes and prohibit the transloading or blending of export fuel.
5. Combating Public Corruption Tied to Fuel Crimes: Examine the impact of public corruption related to stolen and adulterated fuel loads in Texas. Consider the advantages of adding the Texas Border Prosecution Unit (BPU) to the definition of “prosecuting attorney” under the Texas Public Integrity Unit so they can assist in prosecuting and eliminating public corruption. Make recommendations to end public corruption connected to stolen or laundered fuel and other transnational crimes.
6. Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
   • Senate Bill 36 (89th Legislature), relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.