Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB899

Caption

Relating to prohibiting a licensing authority from taking disciplinary action against certain license holders for violating an emergency management plan or a rule, order, or ordinance issued under the plan.

Impact

The proposed law is expected to significantly alter the landscape of disciplinary action associated with various professional licenses, particularly during declared emergencies. By stating that licensing authorities cannot penalize individuals for non-compliance in emergency situations, the bill emphasizes a protective stance towards keeping services operational despite the challenges posed by emergencies. This may lead to a broader discourse on balancing regulatory oversight with practical operational needs during crises.

Summary

House Bill 899 aims to provide protections for license holders in the context of emergency management by prohibiting licensing authorities from taking disciplinary actions against them for non-compliance with emergency management plans. Specifically, it restricts actions such as revoking, suspending, or refusing to renew a license based solely on a failure to adhere to rules, orders, or ordinances established under an emergency management framework. This bill reflects an effort to shield professionals from punitive measures during times of crisis when compliance may be challenging.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, the bill may raise concerns regarding accountability and the potential for misuse. Critics may argue that exempting license holders from consequences for emergency plan violations could undermine the standards upheld by regulatory bodies. There may be discussions regarding the potential for increased risks to public safety if license holders are not held responsible for non-compliance during critical times.

Notable points

An essential aspect of HB 899 is its immediate effect provision, which allows it to take effect as soon as it receives a two-thirds vote from the legislature. If it does not achieve this, it will come into effect on September 1, 2021, underlining the urgency and potentially contentious nature of the discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4196

Relating to disciplinary action against a peace officer for failure to comply with certain arrest and charging procedures for violations of the rules of the road.

TX HB516

Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.

TX HB107

Relating to the penalty for a violation of an emergency management plan.

TX HB3521

Relating to the recovery of certain direct administrative costs incurred by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy in imposing disciplinary action against a license holder.

TX SB48

Relating to the issuance and effectiveness of protective orders, magistrate's orders for emergency protection, and temporary ex parte orders.

TX HB3853

Relating to authorizing a change in the amount of certain administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.