Relating to safety measures for culverts or other similar flood or drainage systems maintained by governmental entities.
Impact
If enacted, HB2672 will amend Chapter 756 of the Health and Safety Code in Texas, establishing specific duties for municipalities in addressing safety at drainage system intakes. Municipalities will be required to assess and retrofit existing systems to meet these new safety standards by a deadline set in the bill, thereby ensuring compliance and promoting public safety in urban environments. The bill also emphasizes the importance of accessibility for emergency services, stipulating that each drainage system should have mechanisms that allow for swift access during emergencies.
Summary
House Bill 2672, also known as Logan's Law, seeks to enhance safety measures for culverts and similar flood or drainage systems maintained by municipalities with populations exceeding two million. The bill mandates that municipalities implement protective measures at the intakes of these systems, particularly those located near elementary schools. This includes the installation of bars, grates, or covers that prevent children from being swept into the drainage systems, alongside clear warning signs about potential hazards. The bill aims to mitigate risks associated with urban flooding, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.
Contention
Notably, while the bill's intent is to promote safety, there may be challenges related to enforcement and compliance, particularly regarding the financial implications for large municipalities. Critics could argue that such regulations impose an unfunded mandate, potentially stretching municipal budgets thin, especially when prioritizing other city services. Nevertheless, proponents of the bill assert that the safety of children and public infrastructure justifies these measures.
Implementation
The bill requires municipalities to ensure that the culverts and other drainage systems comply with the new safety measures by September 1, 2011. This urgency in implementation underscores the potential immediacy of addressing the associated safety risks, reflecting a legislative recognition of the need to protect children from preventable accidents in urban flood management contexts.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force and making funds available to certain governmental entities.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the establishment of a task force to analyze the provision of financial assistance from the flood infrastructure fund for the improvement of artificial drainage systems in certain coastal and border regions.