🔴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.

🔴 SB 36: Creates DPS Homeland Security Division With Broad Secrecy Powers

What it says it does:
SB 36 says it will strengthen border security, protect critical infrastructure, and coordinate statewide homeland security by creating a new division inside the Department of Public Safety. It claims to improve communication and streamline operations among state and local agencies.

What it actually changes:
It consolidates control over border security, intelligence centers, and emergency planning inside DPS. It gives the Governor and DPS authority to decide which projects or agencies get security-related grants. It also allows private companies to submit information that becomes exempt from public records if labeled confidential.

Who is pushing for it:
Support came from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Sheriffs Association of Texas, DPS Officers Association, Police Chiefs Association, CenterPoint Energy, Valero, Texas Chemistry Council, Trucking and Retail associations, and the Texas Railroad Association.

Who benefits:
Law enforcement agencies and DPS gain funding control and operational power. Large energy and infrastructure companies gain protection and the right to keep their submissions private. Corporate groups now have direct input in state security planning without public disclosure.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Local governments and smaller communities lose influence over how funds are allocated. Citizens and watchdogs lose access to records once considered public. Local input on security priorities can be overridden by DPS and industry partners.

Why this matters long term:
SB 36 creates a permanent bureaucracy that fuses state authority with corporate privilege. It centralizes budget control under the Governor and DPS, weakens transparency, and sets a precedent for expanding secrecy in future “security” bills.

What to watch next:
Expect more funding pipelines to run through DPS, fewer public records available, and additional bills citing “homeland security” to expand this model. Watch for new contracts or technology deployments that escape open review.

Bottom line:
SB 36 builds a powerful command structure for Texas security, but it also shields corporate and state decisions from public oversight. It is a long-term shift toward secrecy and executive control that every taxpayer should pay attention to.

#SB36 #TexasPolicy #BorderSecurity #Accountability #Transparency #StayInformed