Drew Wilson
A bill that would help state agencies work together in preparation for natural hazards was approved by the House Government Accountability Committee Wednesday and is now ready for the House floor.
HB 181, by Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs, would have all executive state agencies, water management districts and the Public Service Commission designate a liaison to serve on an interagency workgroup.
The head of the Division of Emergency Management, or a designee, would serve as the coordinator of the group.
The workgroup would share information about how hazards such as wildfire, sea-level change, high tides, or storm surge could effect their agency as well as what resources the agency has and its plans to combat the natural hazards.
“This bill will allow state agencies to come out of their silos and collaborate to leverage agency resources to prepare for the potential impacts of extreme weather events,” Jacobs said.
The bill cleared the House Government Accountability Committee with a unanimous vote and previously got approval from the Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee and the Appropriations Committee.
The Senate companion, SB 464 by Lake Worth Democrat Jeff Clemens, has earned unanimous votes from the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee, the Community Affairs Committee and the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee.
It’s only remaining stop is the Senate Rules Committee.
