Texas House Bill HB3586

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a report of projects requiring federal funding as a result of a disaster.

Impact

By instituting this requirement, the bill may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts across Texas. Timely reporting could ensure that critical needs are communicated quickly and funding is requested without delay. The mandated involvement of the emergency management council or the governor's office reflects an effort to centralize accountability for disaster recovery projects, potentially facilitating more organized state response efforts during crises. This legislation could lead to faster access to federal assistance for communities impacted by natural disasters.

Summary

House Bill 3586 aims to enhance the state's framework for disaster response by mandating the preparation and submission of a report that identifies all projects requiring federal funding as a result of a disaster. Specifically, it amends Section 418.013 of the Government Code to include a new requirement that the emergency management council, or the office of the governor if the council is not established, must submit this report to key state officials, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and comptroller, within 90 days of a disaster declaration. This legislation seeks to streamline the process of securing federal resources in the aftermath of significant disasters.

Contention

While the bill's intent is primarily to foster a more responsive disaster management approach, there may be concerns about the practicality and implications of the reporting requirement. Critics might argue that the 90-day window could be too short, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster when resources may be stretched thin. Additionally, there are questions regarding the capacity of existing bodies to fulfill this new obligation without additional funding or support. As such, discussions around the bill might center on finding a balance between regulatory requirements and practical capabilities in responding to disasters.