BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2343

By: Geren

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not have explicit authority to purchase food or water for DPS personnel who have been activated to provide services in response to an emergency situation, incident, or disaster. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) previously held this authority while under the purview of DPS, but legislation transferring TDEM to the Texas A&M University System inadvertently removed the authority. H.B. 2343 seeks to remedy this situation by authorizing DPS to purchase and provide food and beverages to personnel responding to these emergency situations.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2343 amends the Government Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety to use appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages for a person who is activated to provide services in response to an emergency situation, incident, or disaster and who is unable to leave or required to remain at the person's assignment area due to the emergency situation, incident, or disaster.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.