By: Hunter H.B. No. 3616
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a task force on faith-based programs that provide
assistance during a disaster.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 418.054 to read as follows:
Section 418.054. TASK FORCE ON FAITH-BASED DISASTER
RESPONSE. (a) The task force on faith-based disaster response is
established to assist the division in fulfilling the division's
duties under Section 418.043, Government Code. The division shall
provide administrative support to the task force.
(b) The task force is composed of representatives of
faith-based organizations active in disaster appointed by the chief
of the division. The chief may appoint as many task force members
as are optimal to ensure effective representation of faith-based
organizations active in disaster response.
(c) The chief is designated as the interim presiding officer
for purposes of calling and conducting the initial meeting of the
task force. The task force shall at its initial meeting select a
presiding officer from among its members for the purpose of calling
and conducting meetings, and may select an assistant presiding
officer and a secretary from among its members. A member of the
task force may not receive compensation or reimbursement for
service on the task force.
(d) After its initial meeting, the task force shall meet at
least twice each year at a time and place determined by the
presiding officer. The task force may meet at other times the task
force considers appropriate. The presiding officer may call a
meeting on the officer's own motion. The task force may meet by
teleconference.
(e) The task force shall:
(1) develop and implement a plan for improving data
collection regarding faith-based organizations that participate in
disaster relief;
(2) develop best practices for communicating,
cooperating, and collaborating with faith-based organizations to
strengthen disaster response in this state;
(3) identify and address inefficiencies in disaster
relief provided by the state and faith-based organizations; and
(4) identify and address gaps in state services that
faith-based organizations could fill.
(f) The task force shall prepare a report and may include
recommendations relating to legislation or administrative actions
necessary to address an issue identified by the task force related
to the participation of faith-based organizations in disaster
relief. The task force shall present the report to the Legislature
and Governor not later than December 1, 2020.
(g) The task force may solicit, accept, and administer
gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source.
(h) This section expires September 1, 2021.
SECTION 2. Not later than October 1, 2019, the chief of the
Texas Division of Emergency Management shall appoint members to the
task force on faith-based disaster response in accordance with
Section 416.054, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.