The House Committee on County Affairs
85th Legislature
October 17, 2018
12:00 p.m.
1919 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030
Pursuant to a notice posted on October 9, 2018, revised on October 12, 2018, the House Committee on County Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Coleman, at 12:18 p.m.
The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Coleman; Roberts; Thierry; and Uresti, Tomas. Representative Walle and Representative Swanson were also in attendance.
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 topic of Indigent Defense.
At 1:08 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was recessed until 1:17 p.m., October 17, 2018.
The committee reconvened at 1:17 p.m. and was called to order by the chair, Representative Coleman.
The quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Coleman; Roberts; Thierry; and Uresti, Tomas. Representative Walle and Representative Swanson were also in attendance.
(Representative Neave now present.)
(Representative Thierry in chair.)
(Representative Coleman in chair.)
At 5:17 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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Nicolas Kalla, Clerk