84R7738 JAM-F
By: Bohac H.B. No. 3340
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the designation, functions, accreditation, and
continuing education of floodplain administrators; adding
provisions subject to a civil or criminal penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 16, Water Code, is amended
by adding Section 16.3151 to read as follows:
Sec. 16.3151. FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATORS: DESIGNATION,
FUNCTIONS, ACCREDITATION, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION. (a) The
governing body of each city and county shall designate a floodplain
administrator to administer and implement laws and regulations
relating to the management of floodplains.
(b) A floodplain administrator must be accredited by the
board.
(c) The board by rule shall establish accreditation
standards for floodplain administrators. In establishing
accreditation standards, the board shall consider the knowledge,
experiences, skills, and training necessary to prevent or minimize
flood hazards and losses. Accreditation standards may require:
(1) passage of an examination;
(2) completion of approved training; or
(3) certification by a nationally recognized
floodplain management organization.
(d) The board by rule shall establish requirements for
mandatory continuing education or training for accredited
floodplain administrators. Rules adopted under this subsection
must require a floodplain administrator to complete not less than
six hours of continuing education or training each year.
(e) The board may adopt rules necessary to implement and
enforce this section.
SECTION 2. Section 16.3161(c), Water Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(c) The board may use the account to:
(1) fund the performance of the board's functions
under Section 16.316; and
(2) reimburse cities and counties for the costs
incurred in complying with the accreditation and continuing
education or training requirements for floodplain administrators
established by the board under Section 16.3151.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.