89R10440 LRM-D
By: Cook S.B. No. 1311
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot program for the establishment of disaster
relief hub houses.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Community organization" includes a church or
nonprofit organization.
(2) "Disaster" has the meaning assigned by Section
418.004, Government Code.
(3) "Disaster relief hub house" means a building
maintained and operated by a community organization or political
subdivision that is capable of providing shelter, electrical power,
food, and other necessities.
(4) "Division" means the Texas Division of Emergency
Management.
(5) "Pilot program" means the pilot program
established under this section.
(6) "Political subdivision" means a county or
municipality.
(b) The division by rule shall establish and implement a
pilot program to award grants to eligible community organizations
and political subdivisions for the purpose of establishing and
operating disaster relief hub houses in Harris County. A community
organization or political subdivision that receives a grant to
establish a disaster relief hub house under this section shall
utilize the hub house to:
(1) prepare surrounding communities for future
emergencies and disasters; and
(2) during an emergency or disaster, or before an
imminent emergency or disaster:
(A) provide individuals in surrounding
communities shelter and access to electrical power; and
(B) distribute to individuals in surrounding
communities emergency preparedness items, including batteries,
water, ice chests for food storage, and nonperishable food items.
(c) A community organization or political subdivision is
eligible to apply for a grant under this section if the organization
or political subdivision:
(1) is located within the boundaries of Harris County;
(2) maintains a building located within the boundaries
of Harris County that is capable of providing shelter and access to
electrical power to at least 15 individuals at the same time; and
(3) submits a disaster resiliency plan to the division
with the organization's or political subdivision's application.
(d) The division may accept gifts, grants, and donations to
establish and implement the pilot program.
(e) Not later than August 31 of each year, with the initial
report due August 31, 2026, the division shall prepare and submit to
the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of
representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the
legislature a written report on the effectiveness of the pilot
program. The report must include recommendations regarding:
(1) whether the pilot program should be continued,
expanded, or terminated; and
(2) whether the pilot program would be appropriate for
statewide implementation.
(f) This section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. 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, 2025.