By: Miles S.B. No. 285

(In the Senate - Filed January 3, 2019; February 7, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on Intergovernmental Relations; April 1, 2019, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; April 1, 2019, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 285 By: Alvarado

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to information and outreach regarding hurricane preparedness and mitigation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 418.127 and 418.128 to read as follows:

Sec. 418.127. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS. The governor shall issue a proclamation each year before hurricane season instructing:

(1) individuals, including residential and commercial property owners, to prepare their property and communities for the upcoming hurricane season;

(2) state agencies to review and update their hurricane preparedness plans; and

(3) the following entities, to the extent practicable, to conduct community outreach and education activities on hurricane preparedness between May 25 and May 31 of each year:

(A) municipalities and counties;

(B) the division;

(C) the Texas Education Agency;

(D) the office of the comptroller;

(E) the Texas Department of Insurance; and

(F) the Department of State Health Services.

Sec. 418.128. HOUSING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION. The General Land Office shall conduct a public information campaign each year before and during hurricane season to provide local officials and the public with information regarding housing assistance that may be available under state and federal law in the event of a major hurricane or flooding event, including information about types of assistance unavailable under that law.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.

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