BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 1493

                                                                                                                                         By: Bonnen

                                                                                                                                Higher Education

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The 2005 hurricane season clearly demonstrated the extreme and dire deficiencies that exist in storm prediction, disaster planning, and evacuation in the Gulf Coast region. Only through advanced innovation that links severe storm and real-time flood warnings with evacuation plans for vulnerable areas and efficient communication of predicted impacts to decision makers can we improve the well-being of our coastal communities in the face of severe storms and natural disasters.

 

C.S.H.B. 1493 creates the Severe Storm Research and Planning Center and outlines the administration, purpose, and overall objectives of the Center.

 

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

 

SECTION 1:  Subtitle H, Title 3 of the Education Code is amended by adding Chapter 155 relating to a severe storm research and planning center.  Defines "center," and "commission."  Provides that the commission shall 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, providing examples.   Requires the commission to administer the center and appoint an advisory committee that includes representatives of specified organizations to develop priorities, guidelines, and procedures for the implementation of this chapter, and provides the entities and specific representatives that must be included on the advisory committee.

 

Authorizes the commission and advisory committee to work with a governmental entity or postsecondary educational institution in another state bordering the Gulf of Mexico.  Requires the commission, in consultation with the advisory committee, to adopt guidelines and procedures for the administration of the center. To the extent funding is available, the commission is required to contract with a private postsecondary educational institution that meets specified criteria to operate, manage, and provide services or facilities for the center.  Allows the commission to receive state-appropriated funds and solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the activities of the center.

 

SECTION 2:  Effective date.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute modifies the original by adding that the advisory committee must include representatives of Texas A&M University.