Senate Oks bills on Harvey recovery, disaster preparation

With three consecutive unanimous votes Wednesday, the Texas Senate approved a package of bills designed to help the recovery from Hurricane Harvey and improve the state response to future flooding.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the package was the result of efforts that began shortly after Harvey produced unprecedented flooding and damage over four days in August 2017.

"Senate Bills 6, 7 and 8 are some of the most important bills the Texas Senate will pass this session. They will impact generations of Texans for years to come," said Patrick, who presides over the Senate.

The bills, approved on 31-0 votes, next go to the House:

• SB 6 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, would direct the Texas Department of Emergency Management to create a response guide to help cities and counties manage future disasters, including issues such as managing debris removal, getting federal disaster funding, helping with the housing needs of displaced Texans and organizing aid from volunteer organizations.

• SB 7 by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would tap the rainy day fund to help match federal money for Harvey rebuilding efforts. The bill also would establish the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund for statewide floodplain management and to coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on flood-mitigation projects, Creighton said.

• SB 8 by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, would create the state's first flood-mitigation plan that will be developed by watershed. An important goal, Perry said, was to make sure that one area's solution doesn't worsen flooding in nearby areas.

"Harvey was wake-up call," Creighton said. "We have to be better prepared in the future."