TITLE: Relating to a study on the use of fiber-optic technology for the purpose of border security.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study on the use of fiber-optic technology for the purpose of border security.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study on the use of fiber-optic technology for the purpose of border security. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas. (2) "State agency" means a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government that was created by the constitution or a statute of this state, including an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The department shall conduct a study on the feasibility of using fiber-optic technology along the Texas-Mexico border for the purposes of border security. The study must consider: (1) the costs and methods of implementing fiber-optic technology, including installation and maintenance; (2) the effectiveness of fiber-optic technology as a border security tool; and (3) the possibility of contracting with one or more private entities to implement a fiber-optic border security program. (b) The department may collaborate with any state agency or council of government the department determines relevant to conduct the study. SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than September 1, 2024, the department shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over border security or fiber-optic technology a report on the results of the study conducted under Section 2 of this Act. The report must include: (1) an assessment of the feasibility of implementing fiber-optic technology along the Texas-Mexico border as a border security tool, including: (A) costs related to implementing fiber-optic technology, including installation and maintenance; (B) the effectiveness of fiber-optic technology in differentiating between animals, individuals, vehicles, or other animate or inanimate objects crossing the border; and (C) barriers or advantages to specific methods of installation or maintenance of fiber-optic technology along the Texas-Mexico border; and (2) a recommendation by the department on whether: (A) this state should implement a border security program using fiber-optic technology; and (B) a fiber-optic border security program would best be managed by a state agency or one or more private entities through a contract. SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.