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Bill

SB 36

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Campbell and 6 co-sponsors

Texas establishes a formal Homeland Security Division within the Department of Public Safety to coordinate state-level terrorism prevention and emergency response activities.

Effective on 9/1/25
#border(s0045) #intergovernmentalrelations(i0447) #lawenforcement(i0510) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773) #texashomelandsecuritydivisionofthedept.ofpublicsafety(vv63h)
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Bill Summary · SB 36

Legislative bill overview

SB 36 establishes a new Homeland Security Division within Texas's Department of Public Safety to coordinate and manage the state's homeland security activities. The bill formalizes the organizational structure, operational authority, and responsibilities of this division, which previously operated under a less formal arrangement.

Why is this important

This legislation creates a dedicated administrative framework for managing terrorism prevention, emergency response coordination, and critical infrastructure protection at the state level. By formalizing the division, Texas establishes clearer lines of authority and accountability for homeland security operations while potentially improving interagency coordination during emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state coordination ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define how the new division coordinates with federal agencies like DHS and FBI, potentially creating jurisdictional confusion during crises
  • Funding and resource allocation: No specified appropriation details; unclear whether this represents new spending or reallocation of existing DPS resources
  • Oversight and transparency: Limited legislative detail on oversight mechanisms, public reporting requirements, or how the division's activities will be subject to open records laws

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

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