In a move that could reshape the relationship between state and federal authorities, Texas lawmakers introduced House Bill 1982 on January 22, 2025. This legislation aims to impose significant limitations on federal agents operating within Texas, including a prohibition on their licensure as peace officers and a requirement for state approval before executing federal warrants.

The bill, proposed by Representative Hopper, seeks to address growing concerns among some Texas legislators regarding federal overreach. Key provisions include the establishment of a new chapter in the Texas Government Code that explicitly defines federal agents and outlines their limitations. Notably, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement would be barred from issuing peace officer licenses to federal agents, and existing licenses would be revoked if an individual becomes a federal agent.

One of the most contentious aspects of HB 1982 is the requirement that any federal search or arrest warrant against a Texas resident must first be reviewed and approved by the state's attorney general. This provision raises questions about the balance of power between state and federal jurisdictions and could lead to