Texas House Bill HB3418

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to information and outreach regarding hurricane preparedness and mitigation.

Impact

The legislation has a significant impact on state laws related to emergency preparedness and community engagement regarding disaster risks. By instituting a formal requirement for annual proclamations and community outreach activities, the bill alters how state agencies and local governments interact with residents concerning hurricane safety. It encourages collaboration among various entities, including municipalities, educational bodies, and insurance offices, to disseminate critical information and resources effectively during the pre-hurricane season timeframe.

Summary

House Bill 3418 focuses on enhancing hurricane preparedness and mitigation efforts across Texas. The bill requires the governor to issue a yearly proclamation advising individuals, especially property owners, to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. This includes directives for state agencies to review and update their hurricane preparedness plans to ensure readiness in the face of natural disasters. By mandating these actions, the bill aims to foster a more proactive approach to hurricane threats within the state, emphasizing the importance of individual and community preparedness.

Contention

While the overall goal of HB 3418 is to improve disaster readiness, some contention may arise around the specifics of executing the outreach campaigns. The effectiveness of these campaigns largely depends on the resources available to local governments and how well they can implement the directives given by the state. Critics might argue about the allocation of funds and whether adequate measures are in place to ensure meaningful and efficient outreach, particularly in underserved communities that may benefit most from housing assistance and preparedness education.