The Senate Committee on Border Security convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss key legislative measures aimed at enhancing Texas's border security. The meeting began with a review of House Concurrent Resolution 98 (HCR 98), which had no registered public testimony. Following a brief discussion, Senator Hinojosa moved to report HCR 98 to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage. The motion was supported by a roll call vote, resulting in three ayes and no nays, thus favorably reporting the bill.

Senator Hinojosa then recommended that HCR 98 be classified as local and uncontested. However, a procedural clarification was raised regarding the classification of HCRs, leading to a consensus that it must proceed to the floor for further consideration.

The committee then shifted focus to House Bill 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell. Senator Birdwell outlined the bill's intent to strengthen Texas's constitutional duty to protect its citizens and maintain border sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of state-level cooperation with Mexican authorities to address cross-border issues, including drug and human trafficking. The bill aims to codify the authority for Texas to engage directly with Mexican officials, allowing the governor to establish border protection agreements and appoint representatives for direct communication.

Despite the absence of registered public testimony for HB 180, the committee closed public testimony and decided to leave the bill pending for further discussion. The meeting concluded with an invitation for any additional business, but no further matters were raised.

Overall, the committee's discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance border security through legislative measures and intergovernmental cooperation, setting the stage for future deliberations in the full Senate.