BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2148
By: Patrick, Dan
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
For several years, the Harris County Appraisal District has assisted both the City of Houston and Harris County with post-disaster damage estimation. The district's computer center, on behalf of Harris County Emergency Management, houses the Harris County Flood System server, as well as the Southeast Texas downlink and data distribution node of the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network.
Chief appraisers in several other Texas counties also assist their local emergency managers with disaster damage estimation after hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes.
As proposed, S.B. 2148 amends current law relating to information and assistance provided by the chief appraiser to emergency management authorities.
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 Chapter 6, Tax Code, by adding Section 6.053, to authorize the chief appraiser, if requested by the emergency management authorities of a federal, state, or local government agency, to provide information and assistance pertinent to disaster mitigation or recovery, including assisting in the estimation of damage from an actual or potential disaster event.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.