The Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee met Wednesday, Mar. 20 to hear a full agenda of legislation, including several high priority disaster-related bills. A common theme among the bills heard is helping local communities respond more quickly by streamlining the disaster related recovery processes.
Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston) laid out HB 2345, which would direct the Texas Water Development Board to create an inventory and prioritize floor mitigation and resiliency projects; and HB 2330, which would streamline the intake system with a single form, an automatic intake system and a state-administered case management system to hire case workers, with potential federal reimbursement.
HB 5 by Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) would create a catastrophic debris management plan to help with contracting standards for debris removal and a wet debris study group to determine responsibility for wet debris. The substitute to HB 5 removes references to a sole institution of higher education for the proposed training programs.
Two pieces of legislation aimed at the long term recovery necessary after a storm’s damage, and based on the needs shared by local elected officials, are HB 6 and HB 7 by Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria). HB 6would develop a disaster recovery task force through the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to help local communities with federal programs and financial assistance. The substitute removes the language specific to a university so that all institutions of higher education can be considered with the Task Force’s work.
Aransas County Judge Burt Mills testified in favor of the bill stressing the importance of planning ahead for the next disaster. “We’re still dealing with the aftereffects of Harvey”, said Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller. He noted having a streamlined and effective response in place will help with response and recovery. Rep. Morrison encouraged local officials to provide input on who should be included on the task force membership.
Photo Caption: Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller testifies on HB 6
Rep. Morrison then laid out the substitute to HB 7which would maintain a standing list of regulatory statutes and rules that may require suspension during a disaster and developing a plan to assist political subdivisions with executing contracts for services they likely need following a disaster. The substitute alters language that TDEM can consult with any state agency that they see fit.
DeWitt County Judge Daryl Fowler testified in favor of HB 7and noted the importance for county officials to be consulted before certain suspensions happen and having disaster-related contracts in place ahead of time. All five disaster related bills were left pending in committee.