BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2827 84R16153 AAF-F By: Phillips (Garcia) Veteran Affairs & Military Installations-S/C Border Security 5/13/2015 Engrossed BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2827 84R16153 AAF-F By: Phillips (Garcia) Veteran Affairs & Military Installations-S/C Border Security 5/13/2015 Engrossed Senate Research Center H.B. 2827 84R16153 AAF-F By: Phillips (Garcia) Veteran Affairs & Military Installations-S/C Border Security 5/13/2015 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties note that the definition of "homeland security activity" as it currently exists in state law does not include activities relating to fire or medical emergencies. These parties assert that the inclusion of such emergencies in that definition is necessary to ensure that federal disaster relief may be sought for the provision of fire or medical emergency services. H.B. 2827 seeks to address this issue and ensure the well-being of Texas communities during such emergencies. H.B. 2827 amends current law relating to the definition of homeland security activity. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 421.001(3), Government Code, as follows: (3) Defines homeland security activity to mean any activity related to the prevention or discovery of, response to, or recovery from: (A) a terrorist attack; (B) a natural or man-made disaster; (C) a hostile military or paramilitary action; (D) an extraordinary law enforcement emergency; or (E) a fire or medical emergency requiring resources beyond the capabilities of a local jurisdiction. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015. AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties note that the definition of "homeland security activity" as it currently exists in state law does not include activities relating to fire or medical emergencies. These parties assert that the inclusion of such emergencies in that definition is necessary to ensure that federal disaster relief may be sought for the provision of fire or medical emergency services. H.B. 2827 seeks to address this issue and ensure the well-being of Texas communities during such emergencies. H.B. 2827 amends current law relating to the definition of homeland security activity. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 421.001(3), Government Code, as follows: (3) Defines homeland security activity to mean any activity related to the prevention or discovery of, response to, or recovery from: (A) a terrorist attack; (B) a natural or man-made disaster; (C) a hostile military or paramilitary action; (D) an extraordinary law enforcement emergency; or (E) a fire or medical emergency requiring resources beyond the capabilities of a local jurisdiction. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.