Bill: HB 1557, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Roberto Alonzo
Co-Author(s)
Dan Flynn
Bill Caption
Relating to creation of a search and rescue task force in each disaster field response region.
Fiscal Notes
This fiscal note assumes the following would be required to implement the provisions of the bill:
1) DPS would need $10,871,018 for one-time capital acquisitions in fiscal year 2016. This total includes $10,529,466 for equipment needed for each of the six regional search and rescue operations ($1,754,911 for each of DPS' 6 regions). This equipment would include the following: water equipment ($31,990), communication equipment ($437,516), hazmat equipment ($82,352), logistical equipment ($777,184), medical equipment ($186,112), planning equipment ($463), rescue equipment ($95,903) and technical equipment ($143,383). In addition, DPS would need $112,644 for commercial vehicle enforcement scales ($18,774 for each of the 6 Equipment Maintenance Technician positions noted below); and, $58,132 for three vehicles.
2) DPS would require staff to train and support the search and rescue teams. It is assumed DPS would need 1 Training Specialist III at headquarters ($46,976), as well as 2 Program Specialist III positions ($109,522) and 6 Equipment Maintenance Technician I positions ($237,240). An additional estimated amount for benefits costs associated with these position is $133,398 per fiscal year.
3) DPS would need to travel around the state to train individuals in local communities on how to properly respond to natural and man-made disasters. TDEM estimates a yearly training cost per region of $125,000, and a yearly travel cost per region of $50,000.
4) It is assumed DPS would need $73,418 to rent certain regional facilities and/or office space.
Bill Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code to require, subject to the availability of funds, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), operated within the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to establish and operate a search and rescue task force in each field response region to assist in search, rescue, and recovery efforts before, during, and after a natural or man-made disaster.
DPS currently maintains six field response regions throughout the state. This fiscal note assumes the agency would establish and operate a search and rescue task force in each of these field response regions.
It is assumed the agency would require additional staff and equipment in all six regions to implement the provisions of the bill. This fiscal note assumes any funding that may be provided to implement the provisions of the bill would come out of the General Revenue.
Vote Recommendation Notes
As it stands now, there is one regional search and rescue team under the office of the Governor, and another under the city of Dallas. This bill would provide uniformity in response protocol as well as additional resources with which to mount search and rescue operations in six geographic regions. This is a legitimate role of government. But because it does not support or deny our liberty principles, we are neutral on HB 1557.
Organizations Supporting
State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association
