Texas House Bill HB564

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/10/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/6/11
• Voted on by House: 4/15/11
• Refer: 2/18/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/11
• Engrossed: 4/15/11
• Governor Action: 5/27/11
• Refer: 4/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Enrolled: 5/12/11
• Passed: 5/27/11

Caption

Relating to maintenance of portable fire extinguishers in government-owned vehicles in certain local governmental jurisdictions.

Impact

The enactment of HB 564 serves to enhance fire safety protocols within governmental operations. By requiring regular maintenance and compliance with established standards, the bill aims to ensure that government vehicles are better equipped to handle fire emergencies. This can potentially reduce risks associated with fire hazards, thereby protecting both government employees and the public. The legislation reflects a commitment to improve safety standards in local governmental operations, potentially influencing similar measures in private sectors.

Summary

House Bill 564, known as the Ariel Corley Memorial Act, addresses the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers in government-owned vehicles within certain local governmental jurisdictions. The bill mandates that local governments—defined to include counties, municipalities, and their agencies—must adopt policies requiring these vehicles to be equipped with portable fire extinguishers. Furthermore, it establishes that these extinguishers must undergo annual maintenance, in line with standards that meet or exceed those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard Number 10 for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

Contention

While the bill appears to be widely supported due to its public safety implications, there may be considerations regarding the funding and resources required for local governments to implement and enforce these regulations. Smaller municipalities might face challenges in meeting the mandated standards due to budgetary constraints or insufficient resources to conduct regular maintenance. Thus, discussions may arise around the need for state support to ensure equitable compliance across diverse local governments.