H.B. No. 3616
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of 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 Subchapter I to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER I. TASK FORCE ON FAITH-B
ASED DISASTER RESPONSE
Sec. 418.251. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Chief" means the chief of the division appointed
under Section 418.041.
(2) "Task force" means the task force on faith-based
disaster response established under this subchapter.
Sec. 418.252. ESTABLISHMENT. The task force on faith-based
disaster response is established to assist the division by studying
the participation of faith-based organizations in disaster
response.
Sec. 418.253. MEMBERSHIP. (a) The task force is composed
of representatives of faith-based organizations active in disaster
response appointed by the chief.
(b) The chief shall determine the number of members of the
task force to ensure effective representation of faith-based
organizations active in disaster response.
Sec. 418.254. OFFICERS. (a) The chief is designated as the
interim presiding officer for purposes of calling and conducting
the initial meeting of the task force.
(b) The task force:
(1) shall at its initial meeting select a presiding
officer from among its members for the purpose of calling and
conducting meetings; and
(2) may select an assistant presiding officer and
secretary from among its members.
Sec. 418.255. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. A member of the
task force is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement of
expenses for service on the task force.
Sec. 418.256. MEETINGS. (a) After its initial meeting, the
task force shall meet at least twice each year at a time and place
determined by the presiding officer.
(b) 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.
(c) The task force may meet by teleconference.
Sec. 418.257. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The division shall
provide administrative support to the task force.
Sec. 418.258. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. The task force shall:
(1) develop and implement a plan for improving data
collection regarding faith-based organizations that participate in
disaster response;
(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
response provided by the state and faith-based organizations; and
(4) identify and address gaps in state services that
could be provided by faith-based organizations.
Sec. 418.259. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2020, the
task force shall submit to the governor and the legislature a report
of the task force's activities conducted under Section 418.258 and
any recommendations for legislative or other action.
Sec. 418.260. GIFTS AND GRANTS. The task force may solicit
and accept gifts and grants from any source to be used to carry out a
function of the task force.
Sec. 418.261. EXPIRATION. The task force is abolished and
this subchapter 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, as required by Section
418.253, 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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 3616 was passed by the House on May 3,
2019, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 3616 was passed by the Senate on May
22, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor