Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3537

Caption

Relating to the feasibility of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would not only lead to a comprehensive evaluation of the coastal barrier proposal but also foster collaboration among state legislators who represent coastal districts. The committee formed under this legislation would comprise key representatives from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, ensuring that local interests and expertise are considered in the deliberations. Furthermore, the committee's findings could pave the way for future legislative actions regarding funding and the construction of necessary coastal defenses, potentially strengthening the region's overall preparedness against climate-related threats.

Summary

House Bill 3537 aims to address the feasibility of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system in Texas. This initiative is significant considering the vulnerability of Gulf coast areas to storm surges, which pose risks to beaches, ports, and properties along the coast. The bill mandates the establishment of a joint interim committee tasked with studying the implementation of a proposed system comprising gates and barriers designed to mitigate storm surge impacts. This study is expected to provide insights and recommendations on the effective development of such infrastructure to enhance coastal resilience.

Contention

While HB 3537 has garnered attention for its proactive approach to addressing storm surge risks, it may also raise questions regarding funding priorities and resource allocation. Some stakeholders may argue for more immediate response measures, particularly in light of increasing threats from severe weather patterns, rather than focusing solely on a long-term feasibility study. Additionally, the establishment of such a committee might spark debates about the efficacy of current protective measures and state responsibilities concerning local disaster management and infrastructure needs.

Companion Bills

TX SB1266

Same As Relating to the feasibility of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3782

Relating to establishing the Border Security Advisory Council and the Border Protection Task Force.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

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 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 HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB1904

Relating to the establishment of a border county mental health task force.

TX HB4494

Relating to eligible coastal municipalities for purposes of the municipal hotel occupancy tax.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB803

Relating to the establishment of a work group to conduct a study on the feasibility of implementing an acute psychiatric bed registry.

TX HB4719

Relating to the security of election systems.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.