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SB 1465, if passed, would modify the Government Code
(Section 1, Subchapter B, Chapter 418) by adding a new section (418.025) which
would grant the governor a new possible course of action in the event of a
disaster.
Currently in code (Section 418.016) when the governor declares a disaster, five subsections must be adhered to (subsections a-f). SB 1465, if passed would allow the governor to declare an disaster and only adhere to subsections a and e. This would effectively allow the governor to bypass signage requirements in the event that a law, rule, or regulatory statute is suspended. The governor may also suspend a number of registration requirements most of which are located in the Transportation Code. (The specific requirements which can be found in subsection f.)
The second chamber sponsor is Representative Larry Phillips.
5/19/15 Update:
No amendments or modifications have been made to the bill since we reported on it. We continue to remain neutral.
First chamber analysis below:
SB 1465 has some provisions we support and some we find concerning. On the one hand we appreciate giving
the governor more flexibility in declaring an emergency.
Allowing for the waiving of permitting requirements in the event of a disaster seems
prudent enough. However, in the event that laws, rules, or statutes are suspended, the installation of signage is an important measure to keep make sure people know about the temporary suspension. Granted, there may be some situations (an emergency evacuation for example) where posting signage might hinder the timeliness of executing the emergency order. Weighing these factors we are neutral on SB 1465.