Texas House Bill HB1998

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/26/09
• Voted on by House: 4/23/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/19/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to temporary housing and emergency shelters provided by a political subdivision for disaster victims.

Impact

The passage of HB1998 is intended to streamline the processes involved in establishing temporary housing for disaster victims. By providing specific legal avenues for political subdivisions to work directly with state resources, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve the allocation of resources during emergencies. The increased state support for local governments would ideally ensure that disaster victims have quicker access to necessary housing during recovery periods. Additionally, the bill lays out financial support mechanisms that would compensate political subdivisions for expenditures incurred during disaster response efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1998 aims to enhance the support provided by political subdivisions in Texas for disaster victims in need of temporary housing and emergency shelters. The bill makes amendments to the Government Code, specifically addressing how the governor can engage with federal agencies to procure temporary housing units. This bill establishes a framework for political subdivisions, allowing them to acquire necessary sites for the installation of these housing units and manage the related logistics effectively. Through these provisions, the bill emphasizes the importance of preparedness and rapid response following disasters.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on improving disaster response, points of contention may arise regarding the scope of the powers granted to the governor in modifying local regulations to expedite emergency housing solutions. Critics could argue that such powers risk overreach or undermining local autonomy, particularly if the suspensions of laws entail significant implications for local governance and community standards. Furthermore, as funding and resource allocation during emergencies are critical, debates over the adequacy and efficiency of the proposed funding mechanisms could also shape the discussions surrounding HB1998.