SB8

Regular Session

Relating to agreements between certain sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law and a grant program to cover the costs of implementing those agreements.

01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Immediate Action Plan

Operational Changes Required

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02
03

Official Analysis

Bill Text(with markup)


Technology

This analysis assumes the Comptroller would require an estimated 2,160 programming hours to create a new grant system. This includes requirements gathering, design and infrastructure to support the new system. Costs to the Comptroller would be $324,000 in fiscal year 2026.

Local Government Impact

Grant awards to local entities would be dependent on legislative appropriations to the Comptroller, and are unknown at this time. 


Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff:
JMc, WP, LCO, CSmi
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB8

Q

What does Texas SB8 do?

SB8 mandates that sheriffs in Texas counties with populations over 100,000 must enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE to enforce federal immigration law. This requirement explicitly extends to counties utilizing private jail contractors, necessitating immediate contract renegotiations, liability insurance adjustments, and specialized workforce training for private corrections operators. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: January 1, 2026 Financial Tracking Start: September 30, 2025 (Date from which costs are eligible for retroactive reimbursement).

Q

Who authored SB8?

SB8 was authored by Texas Senator Charles Schwertner during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB8 signed into law?

SB8 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB8?

SB8 is enforced by Attorney General (Compliance Enforcement), Comptroller of Public Accounts (Grant Administration) and Commission on Jail Standards (Data Sharing).

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB8?

The compliance urgency for SB8 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB8?

The cost impact of SB8 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB8 address?

SB8 addresses topics including aliens, corrections, corrections--jails & prisons, crimes and crimes--miscellaneous.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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