The House Committee on County Affairs
85th Legislature
August 23, 2018
10:00 a.m.
411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Pursuant to a notice posted on August 10, 2018, the House Committee on County Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Coleman, at 10:05 a.m.
The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Coleman; Springer; Biedermann; Hunter; Neave; and Stickland. Representative Shaheen and Representative Meyer were also in attendance.
A quorum was present.
The committee heard invited and public testimony on the following topics:
Interim Charge #1: Examine how emergency response activities are organized, funded, and coordinated. Review the impact of natural disasters on county finances. Identify any deficiencies in authority for the most populous counties related to infrastructure planning, emergency response, and recovery. Explore ways to improve efficiencies and manage costs while protecting public safety. Additionally, study the relationship between the state, counties, non-governmental organizations, and churches in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, and determine if preparedness plans are adequate.
Interim Charge #2: Evaluate whether counties have the necessary ordinance-making and enforcement authority to deal with flood risk in unincorporated rural and suburban areas of Texas. Additionally, examine whether counties have adequate resources and authority to ensure that new development in unincorporated areas is not susceptible to flooding.
Interim Charge #3: Study how counties identify defendants’ and inmates’ behavioral health needs and deferral opportunities to appropriate rehabilitative and transition services. Consider models for ensuring defendants and inmates with mental illness receive appropriate services upon release from the criminal justice system.
Interim Charge #5: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
Pursuant to interim charge #5, the Committee discussed the topics of Mental Health Intervention in School Settings, Indigent Defense, and Specialty Drug Courts.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Uresti, Tomas now present.)
(Representative Neave in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Springer in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Coleman in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Springer in chair.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
At 7:38 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
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Rep. Coleman, Chair
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Kelsey Bernstein, Clerk