Relating to appropriations for damages and disruptions suffered by state agencies and institutions of higher education caused by natural disasters and to an appropriation for disaster relief generally.
Impact
The bill is structured to provide financial relief to affected agencies, enabling them to recover from past natural disasters without placing additional burdens on their budgets. This funding is critical, especially considering the long-term disruptions caused by such events. By appropriating these funds, the Texas legislature aims to ensure that essential services and operations can be maintained, safeguarding the stability of public services and educational institutions during recovery efforts.
Summary
House Bill 6 addresses the need for supplemental appropriations to support state agencies and institutions of higher education that have experienced damages or disruptions due to natural disasters. The bill outlines specific funding allocations drawn from the economic stabilization fund, targeting various sectors affected by disasters occurring prior to the act's effective date. Agencies like the UT Medical Branch at Galveston and the Texas Department of Public Safety are among the primary beneficiaries, aimed at covering both operational costs and business interruption losses incurred during the state fiscal biennium that began on September 1, 2007.
Contention
While the bill seeks to provide necessary support, it may encounter scrutiny regarding the management of the economic stabilization fund and prioritization of funding across various agencies. Some legislators may question the efficiency of previous disaster responses and whether the appropriations accurately reflect the needs of the impacted entities. Furthermore, the necessity of obtaining a two-thirds vote for the bill's effective implementation may spark debate over fiscal responsibility and the allocation of state resources.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of career and technical education programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System, the Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.
Wage credits modified and reimbursement provided, general fund transfers authorized, unemployment insurance aid provided, report required, and money appropriated.