Texas House Bill HB2914

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/31/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a fuel mitigation pilot grant program for fire departments.

Impact

The proposed bill intends to have a significant impact on state laws regarding disaster management and fire prevention measures. It will allow the Texas Forest Service to distribute grants specifically earmarked for fuel mitigation tasks, which are essential for preventing wildfires and managing vegetation that could ignite fires. The inclusion of rural volunteer fire department insurance funds in this initiative underscores the importance of supporting local fire departments, especially in areas where financial resources may be limited for such critical preventive measures.

Summary

House Bill 2914 establishes a fuel mitigation pilot grant program aimed at assisting fire departments in Texas with the costs associated with mitigating fuel hazards. The Texas Forest Service will administer the program, taking advice from an appointed advisory committee. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the capacity of fire departments to manage flammable vegetation, which can pose substantial threats to local communities, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. By providing financial support for fuel mitigation, the program aims to improve the overall safety and resilience of various regions in Texas against fire-related emergencies.

Contention

As with many legislative initiatives, there may be contention surrounding the prioritization of funding and grant distribution criteria. Critics could argue that the program needs more specifics on the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of proposed fire mitigation strategies. The bill requires the Texas Forest Service to report back to the legislature on the results of the pilot program, indicating a method for accountability. Nonetheless, there may still be debates regarding whether the allocated budgets represent an adequate response to fire hazards or if they could be more equitably distributed among diverse fire departments across Texas.