Texas Senate Bill SB1293

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the duty of the General Land Office to clean, maintain, and clear debris from a public beach affected by a declared disaster.

Impact

The passage of SB1293 would modify existing laws under the Natural Resources Code, particularly amending Section 61.067. By clarifying the duties of the GLO during disaster scenarios, the bill emphasizes the importance of state intervention in emergency situations, ensuring that public beaches can be restored to safe and clean conditions for public use. This enhancement in duty is especially significant for areas that may not have the resources or infrastructure in place for effective recovery following a disaster.

Summary

SB1293 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the responsibilities of the General Land Office (GLO) in Texas concerning public beaches that have been affected by declared disasters. The bill specifically mandates that the GLO is required to clean, maintain, and clear debris from public beaches located in areas that are designated as threatened during a disaster declaration. This is in line with the provisions of the Natural Resources Code, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the GLO regarding public lands and resources.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding SB1293. While proponents are likely to argue that this bill will provide necessary state support in disaster-stricken areas, critics might express concerns regarding the degree of state oversight in local matters. The bill seems to stipulate that local initiatives and responsibilities will still play a significant role in maintaining public beaches, yet it might also be viewed as a centralization of authority that could disrupt local efforts if not properly coordinated. The balance between state intervention and local control will be a key topic in discussions surrounding this bill.