Texas Senate Bill SB995

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the disaster reinvestment and infrastructure planning board and the creation of the disaster reinvestment and infrastructure planning revolving fund; making an appropriation.

Impact

The legislation will significantly enhance state capabilities to respond to natural disasters and health emergencies by providing structured financial assistance to eligible political subdivisions. By establishing criteria and a revolving fund, the state aims to prioritize essential projects that not only rebuild but also modernize infrastructure to withstand future disasters. Supporters of the bill foresee a more streamlined process for obtaining disaster recovery loans and grants, ensuring quicker recovery and better public health outcomes following emergencies.

Summary

SB995 aims to establish the Disaster Reinvestment and Infrastructure Planning Board along with the creation of a revolving fund dedicated to disaster recovery efforts across Texas. This bill delineates the board's responsibilities, which include administering financial assistance for public infrastructure projects impacted by natural disasters and pandemics. Central to its purpose is the allocation of approximately $1 billion from the economic stabilization fund to kickstart these initiatives, marking a serious commitment to improving the state's resilience against disasters.

Contention

The bill does raise important considerations regarding the management of funds and eligibility criteria. The necessity to prevent misuse or misallocation of taxpayer dollars following disasters is paramount, and there are concerns among some stakeholders about ensuring transparency and accountability in how the board operates. Additionally, while the bill provides essential funding for disaster recovery, some critics may argue that the prioritization process for grants and loans could be misaligned with the most urgent community needs, necessitating a careful and inclusive decision-making process.