Relating to the creation and administration of a disaster recovery fund.
Impact
The bill provides for the creation of a Disaster Recovery Fund account, which will be supplied by state appropriations, federal funds, and private donations. This fund can be accessed for grants that assist entities financially in their recovery efforts. Specifically, funds can be used to match federal grants that qualify under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs, remediate public damage, and cover employee-related costs tied to recovery activities.
Summary
SB921 establishes a Disaster Recovery Fund in Texas, intended to provide financial assistance for state and local governmental entities and volunteer organizations involved in disaster recovery efforts. The bill outlines that in the aftermath of a disaster, the primary financial recourse for these entities should be the funds already appropriated for their operations or additional funds acquired through normal channels. The Disaster Recovery Fund is designed to alleviate the extraordinary financial difficulties that can arise due to disasters.
Contention
While the bill appears to gain support for its structure in facilitating quicker disaster recovery, there may be contention surrounding the application process and the funding priorities set by the administering division. Critics might argue that the requirements outlined for accessing these funds could be burdensome for smaller entities or volunteer organizations that lack the capacity to manage comprehensive application processes and financial assessments. The restrictions on how funds can be spent also raise the question of whether the grant structure will adequately address the diverse needs of affected communities.
Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.