Texas Senate Bill SB1059

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the deposit of certain money to the disaster contingency fund for the purpose of paying costs associated with Hurricane Harvey.

Impact

The implementation of SB1059 will have a significant effect on state disaster management practices. By officially channeling funds into the disaster contingency fund, the bill ensures that there are dedicated resources available for recovery and relief efforts stemming from Hurricane Harvey. Such a provision may facilitate quicker responses and more efficient deployment of funds to affected communities, streamlining the process of fiscal support in times of need.

Summary

SB1059 is a legislative measure designed to allocate certain monetary resources to the disaster contingency fund specifically for costs associated with Hurricane Harvey. The bill stipulates that any funds received by the state from the lawsuit titled State v. United States would be deposited to this fund, thereby enabling their use for related expenses. This action reflects the state's ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the financial implications of natural disasters through designated funding channels.

Contention

While the bill may appear straightforward in its intention to provide funding for disaster relief, some concerns may arise regarding the appropriations process and the potential for misallocation of funds. The measure compels the comptroller of public accounts to manage the deposited funds judiciously and the stipulation that these funds are exclusively for Hurricane Harvey costs could potentially limit their use for other pressing emergencies that may arise. Another point of contention may involve scrutiny over the amounts received from the lawsuit and the adequacy of these funds in addressing the extensive recovery needs left by the disaster.