AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas House of Representatives’ passage of Senate Bill 4, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock:

“Addressing the crisis on our southern border, perpetuated by the Biden Administration, is a top priority of mine. The Texas Senate has taken swift action this year to pass meaningful legislation to keep Texans safe, and I am pleased to see the Texas House and Senate work together to send such a strong border security bill to Gov. Abbott’s desk.

“SB 4 is the strongest border security bill Texas has ever passed. SB 4 will require criminal background checks and the collection of fingerprints and photographs of those arrested for crossing the border illegally. The illegal crosser can be jailed or ordered by a magistrate to be returned to the border. If they violate the order and return to Texas, they will face even harsher penalties.

“I thank Sen. Perry and Rep. Spiller for their work on this important bill. The Texas Senate will continue fighting to keep our state safe.”