In a move aimed at streamlining state security operations and improving preparedness, the Texas Senate approved a measure that would create a dedicated homeland security division within the Department of Public Safety.
Senate Bill 36, authored by Senator Tan Parker (R), seeks to consolidate and coordinate intelligence-gathering and security functions that are currently distributed across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
“Today, intelligence gathering and other preventative state security measures are spread across multiple agencies at the state, local, and federal level,” Parker said. “This complicates intelligence sharing and could risk critical information falling through the cracks.”
Under SB 36, the new homeland security division would serve as the central hub for collecting, analyzing, and distributing intelligence related to border security and threats to Texas’ critical infrastructure. Parker said the goal is to eliminate overlap, boost efficiency, and ensure better communication among all levels of government and private stakeholders.
“By bringing these functions together, we can strengthen our overall preparedness and response, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure taxpayer dollars are always spent wisely,” he said.
The proposed division would be tasked with assessing vulnerabilities in essential infrastructure sectors including energy, communications, transportation, and water. In addition to evaluation and planning, the division would also be empowered to conduct training exercises in coordination with local and state law enforcement, aiming to maximize readiness for potential attacks or natural disasters.
“Under this bill, the homeland security division will coordinate multiagency and multijurisdictional efforts, ensuring that federal, state, local, and private stakeholders work in unison,” Parker said.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a statement in support of SB 36, emphasizing the need to centralize homeland security within the DPS to protect and prepare Texas.
“By creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, we can centralize vital homeland security operations within DPS, resulting in a better prepared and protected Texas.” Said Patrick. “The Senate and I prioritized SB 36 because keeping Texas safe is one of our top priorities. I thank Sen. Parker for his leadership on this key legislation to help our state face any future threats head-on.
The bill now heads to the Texas House for consideration.
