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Bill

HB 1645

Relating to a private civil cause of action against local entities and campus police departments that violate certain laws related to immigration enforcement.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terri Leo-Wilson and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1645 authorizes private lawsuits against Texas local entities and campus police for unlawfully enforcing immigration laws beyond their statutory authority.

Referred to State Affairs
#aliens(i0032) #citygovernment--general(i0060) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #education--higher--general(i0231) #firefighters&police--general(i0370)
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Bill Summary · HB 1645

Legislative bill overview

HB 1645 creates a private civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue local entities and campus police departments in Texas that violate state laws prohibiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill enables private citizens to seek damages directly against these governmental bodies for unauthorized immigration-related enforcement activities.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a significant policy tension between federal immigration authority and state/local control over policing. It would give affected individuals a legal remedy against local law enforcement agencies that exceed their statutory authority in immigration matters, potentially shifting enforcement dynamics in Texas communities and affecting how police departments structure their operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Litigation burden on local governments: Cities and campus police departments could face substantial legal costs defending against lawsuits, potentially affecting municipal budgets and operational resources
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "violating certain laws" requires clarification—what specific violations trigger liability and what constitutes unauthorized enforcement remains subject to interpretation
  • Competing enforcement priorities: Creates tension between local police autonomy in community policing decisions and state-mandated restrictions on immigration enforcement cooperation
  • Sovereign immunity questions: May raise constitutional concerns about waiving governmental immunity and whether state legislatures can create private rights of action against governmental entities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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