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House Bill 1493 |
House Author: Bonnen |
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Effective: 6-15-07 |
Senate Sponsor: Janek |
House Bill 1493 amends the Education Code to require the regional planning commission, council of governments, or similar regional planning agency, whose membership includes the most populous county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico or on a bay or inlet of the gulf, to create a severe storm research and planning center to facilitate research and develop plans, programs, and technology associated with the impact of and response to hurricanes and other severe storms in the Gulf Coast Region and adjacent areas. The bill establishes research and planning goals for the center, including enhancement of forecasting ability, warning systems, and evacuations, and it requires the commission to appoint an advisory committee to advise it in the development of applicable priorities, guidelines, and procedures. To the extent funding is available, the bill requires the commission to contract with a private college or university that meets certain criteria to operate, manage, and provide services or facilities for the center.