SB1311 - Relating to a pilot program for the establishment of disaster relief hub houses.

  89R10440 LRM-D     By: Cook S.B. No. 1311       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a pilot program for the establishment of disaster   relief hub houses.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  (a) In this section:                (1)  "Community organization" includes a church or   nonprofit organization.                (2)  "Disaster" has the meaning assigned by Section   418.004, Government Code.                (3)  "Disaster relief hub house" means a building   maintained and operated by a community organization or political   subdivision that is capable of providing shelter, electrical power,   food, and other necessities.                (4)  "Division" means the Texas Division of Emergency   Management.                (5)  "Pilot program" means the pilot program   established under this section.                (6)  "Political subdivision" means a county or   municipality.          (b)  The division by rule shall establish and implement a   pilot program to award grants to eligible community organizations   and political subdivisions for the purpose of establishing and   operating disaster relief hub houses in Harris County.  A community   organization or political subdivision that receives a grant to   establish a disaster relief hub house under this section shall   utilize the hub house to:                (1)  prepare surrounding communities for future   emergencies and disasters; and                (2)  during an emergency or disaster, or before an   imminent emergency or disaster:                      (A)  provide individuals in surrounding   communities shelter and access to electrical power; and                      (B)  distribute to individuals in surrounding   communities emergency preparedness items, including batteries,   water, ice chests for food storage, and nonperishable food items.          (c)  A community organization or political subdivision is   eligible to apply for a grant under this section if the organization   or political subdivision:                (1)  is located within the boundaries of Harris County;                (2)  maintains a building located within the boundaries   of Harris County that is capable of providing shelter and access to   electrical power to at least 15 individuals at the same time; and                (3)  submits a disaster resiliency plan to the division   with the organization's or political subdivision's application.          (d)  The division may accept gifts, grants, and donations to   establish and implement the pilot program.          (e)  Not later than August 31 of each year, with the initial   report due August 31, 2026, the division shall prepare and submit to   the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of   representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the   legislature a written report on the effectiveness of the pilot   program.  The report must include recommendations regarding:                (1)  whether the pilot program should be continued,   expanded, or terminated; and                (2)  whether the pilot program would be appropriate for   statewide implementation.          (f)  This section expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.