CS/HB 181 — Natural Hazards
by Appropriations Committee and Rep. Jacobs (SB 464 by Senators Clemens, Campbell, and Rodriguez)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill creates an interagency workgroup to address the impacts of natural hazards in this state. The workgroup is comprised of a liaison from each agency within the executive branch of state government, each water management district, and the Public Service Commission. The director of the Division of Emergency Management, or his or her designee, will serve as the coordinator of the workgroup.
The workgroup is directed to share information on the current and potential impacts of natural hazards throughout the state and collaborate on statewide initiatives to address the impacts of natural hazards. The term “natural hazards” includes, but is not limited to, extreme heat, drought, wildfires, sea-level changes, high tides, storm surge, saltwater intrusion, stormwater runoff, flash floods, inland flooding, and coastal flooding.
The Division of Emergency Management is responsible for preparing an annual progress report on behalf of the workgroup on the implementation of the state’s enhanced hazard mitigation plan as it relates to natural hazards. The annual report is due to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives on January 1, 2019, and each year thereafter. Each workgroup liaison is responsible for posting the annual report to their respective agency’s website.
The bill appropriates $84,738 in recurring funds and $4,046 in nonrecurring funds from the Grants and Donations Trust Fund to the Division of Emergency Management and authorizes one full-time equivalent position to implement the requirements in the bill.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2017.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 111-1