BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1233

By: Seliger

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aftereffects of Winter Storm Uri, which struck Texas in February of this year and paralyzed the state's power grid for upwards of a week, have left many Texans concerned about the state's preparedness for natural disasters. S.B. 1233 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Texas Military Department to identify and recommend improvements necessary to ensure each facility's preparedness.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

S.B. 1233 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Military Department to study the following facilities of the Texas military forces to determine the facility's preparedness for natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, floods, and extreme weather events:

·       Camp Bowie;

·       Camp Maxey;

·       Camp Swift;

·       Fort Wolters;

·       Camp Mabry; and

·       the facilities located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The bill requires the department to identify enhancements to each facility necessary to improve the installation's disaster preparedness. The bill requires the department, not later than December 1, 2022, to report its findings and any recommendations to the legislature. Implementation of a provision of the bill by the department is mandatory only if a specific appropriation is made for that purpose. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.