SRC-JEC H.B. 1512 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1512
By: West, George "Buddy" (Armbrister)
Infrastructure Development and Security
5/13/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Each of the 254 Texas counties has a local emergency planning committee to
help plan and coordinate for local emergencies.  Currently, the committees
are not required to meet.  H.B. 1512 requires each committee to meet
publicly at least once a year to exchange information on its emergency
management plan, and directs the pipeline safety section of the Texas
Railroad Commission to participate in the meetings. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 418.106, Government Code, by adding Subsections
(d) and (e), as follows: 

(d)  Requires each local or interjurisdictional agency to conduct at least
one public meeting each calendar year to exchange information about its
emergency management plan.  Requires each agency to provide written notice
of the date, time, and location of the meeting, not later than the fifth
day before the meeting, to the pipeline safety section of the gas services
division of the Railroad Commission of Texas. 

(e)  Excepts from the requirements of Subsection (d) an emergency
management plan of an agency if the plan contains sensitive information
relating to critical infrastructures or facilities and the safety or
security of those infrastructures or facilities could be jeopardized by
disclosure of the plan. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.