H.B. No. 3616
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of a task force on faith-based
  programs that provide assistance during a disaster.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER I. TASK FORCE ON FAITH-B
  ASED DISASTER RESPONSE
         Sec. 418.251.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Chief" means the chief of the division appointed
  under Section 418.041.
               (2)  "Task force" means the task force on faith-based
  disaster response established under this subchapter.
         Sec. 418.252.  ESTABLISHMENT. The task force on faith-based
  disaster response is established to assist the division by studying
  the participation of faith-based organizations in disaster
  response.
         Sec. 418.253.  MEMBERSHIP. (a)  The task force is composed
  of representatives of faith-based organizations active in disaster
  response appointed by the chief.
         (b)  The chief shall determine the number of members of the
  task force to ensure effective representation of faith-based
  organizations active in disaster response.
         Sec. 418.254.  OFFICERS. (a)  The chief is designated as the
  interim presiding officer for purposes of calling and conducting
  the initial meeting of the task force.
         (b)  The task force:
               (1)  shall at its initial meeting select a presiding
  officer from among its members for the purpose of calling and
  conducting meetings; and
               (2)  may select an assistant presiding officer and
  secretary from among its members.
         Sec. 418.255.  COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT.  A member of the
  task force is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement of
  expenses for service on the task force.
         Sec. 418.256.  MEETINGS. (a)  After its initial meeting, the
  task force shall meet at least twice each year at a time and place
  determined by the presiding officer.
         (b)  The task force may meet at other times the task force
  considers appropriate. The presiding officer may call a meeting on
  the officer's own motion.
         (c)  The task force may meet by teleconference.
         Sec. 418.257.  ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The division shall
  provide administrative support to the task force.
         Sec. 418.258.  DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. The task force shall:
               (1)  develop and implement a plan for improving data
  collection regarding faith-based organizations that participate in
  disaster response;
               (2)  develop best practices for communicating,
  cooperating, and collaborating with faith-based organizations to
  strengthen disaster response in this state;
               (3)  identify and address inefficiencies in disaster
  response provided by the state and faith-based organizations; and
               (4)  identify and address gaps in state services that
  could be provided by faith-based organizations.
         Sec. 418.259.  REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2020, the
  task force shall submit to the governor and the legislature a report
  of the task force's activities conducted under Section 418.258 and
  any recommendations for legislative or other action.
         Sec. 418.260.  GIFTS AND GRANTS. The task force may solicit
  and accept gifts and grants from any source to be used to carry out a
  function of the task force.
         Sec. 418.261.  EXPIRATION. The task force is abolished and
  this subchapter expires September 1, 2021.
         SECTION 2.  Not later than October 1, 2019, the chief of the
  Texas Division of Emergency Management shall appoint members to the
  task force on faith-based disaster response, as required by Section
  418.253, Government Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3616 was passed by the House on May 3,
  2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3616 was passed by the Senate on May
  22, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor