Perry signs Texas homeland security bill

AP | June 7, 2007

SAN ANTONIO - Governor Rick Perry has signed a compromise homeland security bill that creates systems for mutual aid and disaster response.

The new law is separate from the more than $100 million in the state budget that's already earmarked for homeland security.

The law -- which includes creation of the Border Security Council -- takes effect September 1.

The council will advise the governor on how to allocate border security funds along the Texas boundary with Mexico. Perry will appoint all the council members.

The governor, during a stop Thursday in San Antonio, signed the measure that also establishes procedures for first responders to work together in times of emergencies.

The plan, which Perry also touted during a visit to Edinburg, expands the ability of law enforcement agencies to use wiretapping to detect and deter serious crimes.

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