House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety - 83rd R.S. (2013)

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Committee Members

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Charges

• Assess the level of preparedness among critical infrastructure entities, state and local emergency planning organizations, first response efforts, and overall coordination of jurisdictions across the state. Include a review of the state's role in preparing, resourcing, and coordinating with local emergency response, specifically in rural areas or areas that depend largely on volunteer response efforts.

• Investigate the fatal explosion in West, Texas, in April 2013, for deficiencies in safety, risk management, and disaster planning by chemical facilities and state entities. Determine if any changes should be made to existing laws and rules relating to inspection, investigation, and enforcement, and make specific recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood for damage, injury, or death.

• Evaluate state and local entities' effectiveness in meeting the state's border and homeland security program goals and objectives.

• Review the Driver Responsibility Program and consider methods for overall improvement of the program.

• Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
  a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;
  b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
  c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
  d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.

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