The Texas Senate approved a committee substitute to Senate Bill 22, directing public institutions of higher education to adopt policies prohibiting students and employees who hold nonimmigrant visas from endorsing or espousing terrorist activity as defined by federal law.

Senator Hinojosa, the bill’s floor sponsor, said the measure targets conduct that would already be criminal under federal law and that institutions should have a clear, enforceable framework. On the floor, he described the measure’s core elements: policy adoption, an investigation process for credible allegations, and specified disciplinary steps for confirmed violations.

The measure clarifies applicability to nonimmigrant visa holders and adds procedural protections. A floor amendment accepted by the Senate replaced the ambiguous term “supporting” with “endorsing or espousing,” required institutions to consult with law enforcement during investigations, and added a statement that the statute “may not be construed to infringe on a free speech right protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article 1 of the Texas Constitution.” The sponsor described that change as necessary to preserve constitutional protections while addressing violent or criminal conduct.

Under the bill’s disciplinary framework cited on the floor, a first confirmed violation leads to suspension for at least one year and a second confirmed violation results in expulsion or termination; institutions must report confirmed violations to federal immigration authorities via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and to Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During debate, senators pressed on whether existing institutional policies and criminal law already cover such conduct and why the bill singles out nonimmigrant visa holders; sponsors say the bill creates a uniform state standard and clarifies reporting obligations.

Floor debate included extended questions from Senators Blanco and Johnson about free-speech protections and the distinction between citizens and noncitizens; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on explicitly defined terrorist acts under Title 8, U.S. Code §1182, and that a subsequent amendment expressly preserves constitutionally protected speech. Senator Hinojosa asked the Senate to adopt the amendment; it was adopted.

After debate and amendment, the Senate adopted the committee substitute on final passage by a roll-call vote of 22 ayes and 9 nays. The measure now returns to the enrollment and transmission process for the governor’s consideration.