Texas House Bill HB4469

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a grant program and task force relating to disaster issues affecting persons who are elderly and persons with disabilities.

Impact

The task force is to consist of members representing first responders, municipalities, counties, and individuals with disabilities. Importantly, a majority of the task force must be comprised of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the perspectives of those most affected are prioritized. This legislative change is expected to influence state laws by reinforcing the requirement for disaster preparedness policies that encompass the needs of the elderly and disabled, thus promoting inclusivity in emergency planning.

Summary

House Bill 4469 establishes a grant program and a task force aimed at addressing disaster issues specifically affecting elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. The bill amends Chapter 418 of the Government Code, introducing Subchapter F-1, which outlines the formation and responsibilities of the task force. The primary goal is to enhance the preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during disasters for these vulnerable populations by ensuring their specific needs are met during emergency situations.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise from the implementation and funding of the grant program, as sufficient financial resources are critical to the success of the initiatives proposed by the task force. Additionally, potential bureaucratic hurdles could be debated, especially regarding the effective monitoring of grants and ensuring compliance with the established performance metrics. Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including emergency services and advocacy groups for persons with disabilities, may also lead to discussions on the adequacy of provisions included in the bill.