Texas Senate Bill SB917

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/24/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/4/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 4/4/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to emergency service districts.

Impact

The enactment of SB917 is expected to have a substantial impact on emergency service governance in Texas. It is intended to enhance service effectiveness while eliminating duplications in service provision. The focus on consent for overlapping territories emphasizes collaboration between neighboring districts, potentially leading to better resource allocation and service delivery. Additionally, the bill's provisions related to the removal of board members may enhance accountability within emergency service districts. These changes reflect an effort to improve the operational efficiency of these districts.

Summary

SB917 aims to streamline operations and governance of emergency service districts in Texas by implementing several amendments to the Health and Safety Code. Notably, the bill lays out provisions for the creation of emergency service districts and includes new procedures for board removal and consolidation of districts. One significant change is that emergency service districts will require written consent from existing districts if their proposed territory overlaps with another district's boundaries. This requirement aims to minimize conflicts and ensure that services provided in overlapping areas are well-coordinated.

Contention

While SB917 is presented as a means to improve emergency services, it may raise concerns regarding local control and the potential for conflicts between districts. Some stakeholders may argue that requiring consent from existing districts for new ones encroaches on the ability of communities to develop their own emergency service solutions. Moreover, the new removal processes for board members could lead to debates about governance, accountability, and the extent of local control. As the bill progresses, there will likely be discussions regarding the balance between regulation and the autonomy of local emergency services.