87R10745 JRR-D
By: Morales Shaw H.B. No. 4258
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study by the University of Houston on the expected
effects of future climate change in this state and the preparedness
of this state to address those effects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. STUDY AND REPORT. (a) The board of regents of
the University of Houston System shall designate a department or
entity at the University of Houston to conduct a study on:
(1) the expected effects of future climate change in
this state, including:
(A) the expected economic ramifications of
climate change;
(B) the expected effects on agriculture and other
industries of this state that are vulnerable to climate change; and
(C) the expected increase in droughts, natural
disasters, and other environmental conditions resulting from
climate change; and
(2) the preparedness of this state to identify,
minimize, and mitigate the expected effects described by
Subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(b) Not later than December 1, 2022, the University of
Houston shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and
each member of the legislature a report containing the results of
the study conducted under this section.
SECTION 2. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 1,
2023.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2021.