Texas House Bill HB1557

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of the governor and the legislature with respect to certain declared states of disaster.

Impact

The implications of HB 1557 are significant, as it restructures the way disaster declarations are managed in Texas. By requiring the legislature's involvement, the bill aims to introduce a level of accountability and oversight on the governor's emergency powers. This could lead to more collaborative decision-making during disasters and potentially limit the scope of unilateral actions taken by the executive branch in times of crisis.

Summary

House Bill 1557 addresses the balance of power between the governor and the legislature during declared states of disaster in Texas. It specifically amends Section 418.014 of the Government Code to limit the duration of a state of disaster to 30 days unless renewed by the governor. This change mandates that if the governor deems a disaster requires renewal, he or she must call a special session of the legislature if they are not already in session, thereby enhancing legislative involvement in disaster management decisions.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 1557 inherently revolves around the appropriate balance of authority during emergencies. Proponents argue that the legislature's engagement is crucial for democratic accountability, while opponents may contend that such requirements could impede timely responses to emergencies. There may be concerns about the practicality of convening the legislature on short notice in the midst of a disaster, which could delay necessary action and exacerbate the situation.