Relating to the composition of the Homeland Security Council.
Impact
The bill's passage would have implications for clarity in representation on the Homeland Security Advisory Council by ensuring that the council reflects current legislative structures. By broadening the references within the law, HB4947 seeks to maintain active participation from all pertinent committees and agencies involved in homeland security and veteran affairs. This change is expected to enhance coordination and communication among various entities tasked with public safety and emergency management in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 4947 addresses the composition of the Homeland Security Advisory Council in Texas. Introduced to amend existing laws, the bill seeks to remove outdated references to specific legislative committees, which can change over time. This cleanup effort aims to provide clarity and efficiency within the council's structure by incorporating broader terminology that encompasses all relevant committees overseeing veteran affairs and homeland security. The bill is considered a technical adjustment, intending to keep legislative language modern and applicable.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB4947 appears to lean towards support as it is viewed as a necessary administrative update rather than a contentious piece of legislation. Members of the committee expressed a general consensus that updating the bill would prevent confusion and ensure that the council includes appropriate representation, which is crucial for effective governance. While there wasn't significant opposition noted during the discussions, the focus remained on the importance of keeping legislative references relevant and accurate.
Contention
While HB4947 does not seem to introduce any controversial changes, the fact that it proposes to amend previous legislation does highlight noted points of potential contention—primarily, the moving away from specific committee names that could lead to transient misrepresentation in future sessions. However, since the bill is largely seen as a technical correction, significant opposition or heated debate has not emerged within the legislative discussions thus far.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.