TITLE: Relating to a debris management plan and training.

SUMMARY: Relating to a debris management plan and training.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a debris management plan and training. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 418.054 to read as follows: Sec. 418.054. CATASTROPHIC DEBRIS MANAGEMENT PLAN AND TRAINING. (a) The division, in consultation with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, shall develop a catastrophic debris management plan and model guide for use by political subdivisions in the event of a disaster. (b) The plan must: (1) provide a guide for clearance and disposal of debris caused by a disaster, including information on preparing for debris removal before a disaster; and (2) include: (A) provisions for the use of trench burners and air curtain incinerators of vegetative debris, including identifying sources of equipment for use immediately following a disaster; and (B) procedures for: (i) vegetative debris burning, including the role of the Texas Department of Transportation in debris removal; (ii) the coordination of clearance and disposal of debris; (iii) obtaining equipment necessary for use immediately following a disaster; and (iv) the interaction between political subdivisions and state and federal agencies. (c) The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service shall establish a training program for state agencies and political subdivisions on the use of trench burners in debris removal. SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2020, the Texas Division of Emergency Management shall develop the catastrophic debris management plan and model guide required by Section 418.054, Government Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.