Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1668

Caption

Relating to the administration of emergency management in this state.

Impact

Under this new structure, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management will be appointed by the governor and expected to have significant experience in public safety and emergency services. This change could bring about improved leadership and operational strategies in emergency management, allowing for a more integrated response to crises. The legislation also mandates regular reviews of the emergency management council, ensuring that it remains representative and efficient in its oversight duties.

Summary

Senate Bill 1668 seeks to reform the administrative structure of the Texas Division of Emergency Management by transferring its oversight from the Department of Public Safety to the Texas A&M University System. This move is intended to streamline emergency management processes and enhance the state's capability to respond to disasters effectively. The bill outlines changes in governance, management, and operational protocols that would arise from this administrative shift. It aims to establish a more cohesive and functional approach to emergency preparedness and response across the state.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance emergency management efforts, there may be concerns regarding the consolidated power under the Texas A&M University System and its potential impact on local emergency management systems. Critics may argue that such a shift could diminish local control in favor of a more centralized response framework. Furthermore, opposition may arise around the administrative changes, particularly with respect to how these structural adjustments might affect funding, resource allocation, and the responsiveness of local disaster management efforts.

Companion Bills

TX HB2794

Same As Relating to the administration of emergency management in this state.

Previously Filed As

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1412

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3223

Relating to the management of a declared state of disaster.

TX SB2011

Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to impose administrative penalties and enter into voluntary mitigation plans; increasing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1652

Relating to the creation, management and administration of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

TX SB2402

Relating to the creation, management, and administration of the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative.

TX HB570

Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state.

Similar Bills

KY HB422

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations.

KY HB6

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY SB23

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY SB20

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY HB81

AN ACT relating to governmental accountability and declaring an emergency.

KY SB65

AN ACT relating to deficient administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY HB594

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY HB40

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.