Texas State Executive Order, GA-48

Signed into effect by Governor Greg Abbott, as of November 19, 2024

From Office of the Texas Governor Press Release on November 19, 2024:

"Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order to protect the State of Texas from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) malicious espionage operations. The Governor directed all state agencies and public institutions of higher education to harden state systems and safeguard critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information from being accessed by hostile foreign nations that attempt to infiltrate Texas...

...At the direction of Governor Abbott, all state agencies and public institutions of higher education will begin to:

• Require any company that submits a bid or proposal to certify that none of its holding companies or subsidiaries is owned by a foreign adversary government.
• Introduce stronger background check procedures on state employees and contractors who have access to critical infrastructure.
• Prohibit state employees from accepting gifts from or work-related travel to foreign adversary countries.
• Prohibit state agencies from contracting with companies owned or controlled by a foreign adversary government.
• Prohibit higher education faculty and employees from participating in any foreign recruitment program by a foreign adversary nation..."

Recommendations

The Texas A&M University System's Office of General Counsel (OGC) has reviewed Executive Order (GA-48), issued in November by Governor Abbott, and released their latest guidance for Texas A&M System institutions. There is no prohibition on personal travel at this time.

• OGC is coordinating with other System Offices to develop an overall implementation plan for GA-48. Together we will keep you informed on other aspects of implementation and let you know if we receive further guidance.
• President Welsh also plans to appoint a committee to ensure our University's compliance with the order.
• While the order does not specify an effective date, it states we must certify that we have "effectuated the requirements" of the order by August 1, 2025.

Texas State Executive Order, GA-46

Signed into effect by Governor Greg Abbott, as of August 8, 2024

From Office of the Texas Governor Press Release on August 8, 2024:

"Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order directing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to collect information on illegal immigrants who use Texas public hospitals for inpatient and emergency care and to report incurred healthcare costs due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s reckless open border policies. HHSC will also be required to report annually to the Governor and Texas Legislature all inpatient and emergency care costs for illegal immigrants so the State of Texas can seek reimbursement from the federal government...

...At the Governor's direction, HHSC will immediately begin to:  

• Direct hospitals and additional identified providers to collect information regarding the cost of medical care provided to illegal immigrants, beginning by November 1, 2024.
• Direct covered hospitals to report such data to HHSC quarterly, with initial submissions due March 1, 2025.
• Direct those hospitals to inform the patient that federal law mandates that any response to such questions will not affect patient care.
• Report annually, beginning on January 1, 2026, to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House on the preceding year’s costs for medical care provided to illegal immigrants."

To learn more about your rights in Texas hospitals, visit https://www.aclutx.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-texas-hospitals-decline-answer-immigration-status-questions.