The Texas House approved House Bill 55 20 on May 20 after the adoption of an amendment by Representative Patterson that supporters said addressed concerns raised by border stakeholders.

The bill, described by the sponsor as a Border Enhancement Act, directs state agencies to coordinate with federal and local authorities and establishes several grant programs and resources to assist border communities, including public safety grants administered through the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor, and a higher education grant program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Representative Guillen, speaking for the bill, said it “provides financial assistance for public safety initiatives in border communities” and noted coordination roles for the Texas Department of Public Safety and federal partners. The amendment by Representative Patterson removed specific language and priorities that several border organizations had cited as problematic, and floor supporters said the change helped earn additional local support.

Opponents on the floor raised questions about local consultation and accountability. Representative Lopez of Cameron said her district — which includes dozens of municipalities along the U.S.‑Mexico border — had not received a documented needs assessment and asked, “How is this money going to be used? Who's going to hold it accountable?” That concern echoed other members’ requests for clarity on which entities would administer grants and how oversight would be exercised.

The bill also authorizes coordination roles with federal partners: Representative Guillen said the bill directs the Department of Public Safety to designate a liaison to coordinate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and related agencies. The floor debate made clear supporters view the measure as a pragmatic, region‑focused package of programs; some border members asked for further detail and local engagement on implementation.

Representative Guillen moved final passage after the amendment was adopted. The clerk recorded 23 ayes and 2 nays on the final vote as read on the floor. The bill’s text, as amended, will define grant criteria, eligible recipients and oversight mechanisms; floor debate did not include contract details or an explicit, single oversight entity for all disbursements.