89R15671 JON-D
By: Reynolds H.B. No. 4843
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study conducted by the Texas Division of Emergency
Management regarding the process for obtaining disaster-related
financial assistance.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "division" means the
Texas Division of Emergency Management.
SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The division, with the assistance of
the Emergency Management Council, shall conduct a study on the
process for applying for, approving, and awarding financial
assistance during the disaster recovery process.
(b) In conducting the study, the division shall:
(1) compile data regarding the amount of time and
effort required for local governments, individuals, and businesses
to apply for and ultimately receive disaster-related financial
assistance;
(2) identify current laws and rules governing the
provision of disaster-related financial assistance; and
(3) identify opportunities to streamline, simplify,
and expedite the process for local governments, individuals, and
businesses to apply for and receive disaster-related financial
assistance.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2026, the
division shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the
speaker of the house of representatives, and each member of the
legislature a written report that includes:
(1) a summary of the information compiled in the
study, including an analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of
the disaster-related financial assistance system; and
(2) recommendations from the division and the
Emergency Management Council, including:
(A) recommendations regarding the manner by
which disaster-related financial assistance can be provided more
efficiently, simply, and quickly; and
(B) recommendations for legislative or other
action.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires September 1,
2027.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2025.