Texas House Bill HB6

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/27/09

Caption

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.