AUSTIN, Texas – Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows today issued the following statement after the House overwhelmingly passed its priority disaster preparedness and relief legislation to help strengthen the state against future emergencies and provide relief to communities impacted by recent flooding:
“This summer’s tragic flooding has left profound impact on our state—taking the lives of innocent adults and children, devastating families and entire communities, and breaking the hearts of every Texan. From this tragedy, the Texas Legislature stepped up to examine the systems and processes in need of improvement so we are better prepared for all future emergencies. I am grateful for the strength and bravery of the parents who lost children in the flooding at Camp Mystic, sharing their heartbreak but also their hope for meaningful solutions. I want to thank Chairman Ken King and members of the House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, as well as Representatives Drew Darby and Greg Bonnen. Working alongside Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and our colleagues in the Senate, the Texas House came together to help ensure we are stronger in the face of disasters.”
House Bill 1, by Representative Drew Darby, to improve the safety of Texas children and staff at youth camp through strengthened emergency planning and preparedness measures.
Senate Bill 2, by Representative Ken King, to comprehensively strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency management response through improved coordination, licensing, and training.
House Bill 3, by Representative King, to establish the Texas Interoperability Council for the development of a statewide strategic plan regarding the interoperability of emergency communication equipment and infrastructure.
Senate Bill 5, by Representative Greg Bonnen, to provide funding for disaster relief, early warning systems, enhanced weather predictability, and interoperability infrastructure.
House Bill 20, by Representative Darby, to create public protections from fraudulent bad actors engaging in charitable solicitations following a natural disaster.
House Bill 22, by Representative Bonnen, to support local governments with funding early warning systems and interoperability improvements through the states’ Broadband Development Office.