mitigation
Disaster Legislation in the 81st Texas Legislative Session
[Update: Now that the 81st legislative session has come to an end, click here for a wrap-up of disaster-related legislation.]
When it comes to disaster mitigation and recovery, ensuring that state officials pursue prudent policies should be a priority for all Texans, but faith communities across in the state have a particular interest in the topic given the active roles they play in times of disaster.
Texas Impact is tracking disaster-related legislation in the 81st Legislature. We are tracking more than 80 bills that deal with disaster mitigation, preparation, or recovery. A short list of some of our priority disaster-related bills can be seen below. To learn more, contact Morgan Hargrave at (512) 472 - 3903 or morganhargrave@texasimpact.org.
| Bill # | Author(s) | Issue | Status |
| HB 450/HB 1591/SB 179/SB 360 | Rep. Taylor/Rep. Hamilton/Sen. Gallegos/Sen. Patrick | Sales tax holiday for hurricane preparation supplies | In Committee |
| HB 2487/SB 1379 | Rep. Eiland/Sen. Hinojosa | Texas natural disaster contingency fund | In Committee |
| HB 2558 | Rep. Turner | Requires registration for clients of home and community support services agencies | Passed by the House and Senate |
| HB 2827 | Rep. Turner | Creates an emergency housing and disaster recovery division within TDHCA | Passed by the House; up for a Senate vote on May 19th |
| HB 3168 | Rep. Davis (Yvonne) | Natural disaster reconstruction demonstration initiative | Left to expire in House Calendars committee |
| SB 75 | Sen. Nelson | DSHS disaster education program | Passed by both Houses as an amendment to HB 1831 |
| SB 697 | Sen. Ellis | Requires insurers to cover storm surges | In Committee |
| SB 1112 | Sen. Estes | Allows a county to spend funds in assistance of individuals affected by disasters | Passed the Senate |
| SB 2183 | Sen. Gallegos | Creates "interoperability coordinator" to direct communications during disaster response | In committee |
| SB 2292 | Sen. Lucio | Natural disaster housing reconstruction initiative | Passed by the Senate |
