The House Committee on County Affairs

85th Legislature

May 10, 2018

10:00 a.m.

E2.026

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on April 26, 2018, the House Committee on County Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Coleman, at 10:38 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Coleman; Springer; Biedermann; Hunter; and Uresti, Tomas.

 

A quorum was present.

 

 

The committee heard invited and public testimony on the following topics:

 

Interim Charge #1: Examine how emergency response activities are organized, funded, and coordinated. Review the impact of natural disasters on county finances. Identify any deficiencies in authority for the most populous counties related to infrastructure planning, emergency response, and recovery. Explore ways to improve efficiencies and manage costs while protecting public safety. Additionally, study the relationship between the state, counties, non-governmental organizations, and churches in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, and determine if preparedness plans are adequate.

 

Interim Charge #2: Evaluate whether counties have the necessary ordinance-making and enforcement authority to deal with flood risk in unincorporated rural and suburban areas of Texas. Additionally, examine whether counties have adequate resources and authority to ensure that new development in unincorporated areas is not susceptible to flooding.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Neave now present.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Springer in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Uresti, Tomas in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 5:17 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Coleman, Chair

 

 

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Kelsey Bernstein, Clerk