Relating to granting limited state law enforcement authority to certain federal law enforcement officers.
Summary
HB 626 would expand Texas law to grant limited state law enforcement authority to a defined set of federal officers. Under current law, certain federal criminal investigators already have powers of arrest, search, and seizure under Texas law for felony offenses only; this bill adds additional federal personnel to that list, including federal air marshals and certain Department of Defense police officers or detectives. The bill does not make these officers Texas peace officers, but it authorizes them to act with state-law enforcement powers in felony cases.
The measure amends Article 2A.002(a) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to include two new categories of federal officers: federal air marshals from the Transportation Security Administration and police officers or detectives of the U.S. Department of Defense or its component agencies. The bill also preserves the existing limitation that these federal officers may exercise state arrest, search, and seizure authority only as to felony offenses. The act would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote in each chamber; otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 626 would broaden the list of federal law enforcement personnel recognized under Texas criminal procedure as having limited state authority in felony investigations. This would affect the scope of authority available to federal officers operating in Texas, while leaving them outside the category of Texas peace officers and preserving the felony-only limitation. The bill would amend state criminal procedure law rather than create a new criminal offense or change sentencing provisions.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or other debate excerpts, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or support in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s narrow scope and its placement in the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs committees, the measure appears to be a technical law-enforcement coordination bill rather than a highly controversial policy proposal. The legislative history provided suggests routine consideration rather than visible conflict.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve the expansion of state-recognized authority to federal personnel, questions about oversight and accountability, and whether adding federal air marshals and Department of Defense officers is necessary. However, the record here does not show any stated objections, amendments, or divided votes.