By: Morales Shaw H.B. No. 280       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to requiring river authorities to coordinate with counties   in emergency preparedness planning.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   SECTION 1.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding   Subchapter F to read as follows:   SECTION 1.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding   Subchapter L to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER L. RIVER AUTHORITY COORDINATION IN EMERGENCY   PREPAREDNESS PLANNING.   Sec. 418.501.  DEFINITIONS. In this section:          (1)  "River authority" means a conservation and reclamation   district created under Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas   Constitution that has jurisdiction over water resources within a   county, including but not limited to authorities created under   Chapters 8501-8520, Special District Local Laws Code.          (2)  "County emergency management plan" means the emergency   management plan required under Section 418.106 of this code.   Sec. 418.502.  COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS. Each river authority   operating within a county shall coordinate and collaborate with   that county's emergency management program in the development,   review, and updating of the county's emergency management plan as   it relates to:          (1)  flood control and mitigation strategies;          (2)  dam safety and potential dam failure scenarios;          (3)  water resource management during emergencies;          (4)  coordination of emergency communications regarding   water-related hazards;          (5)  evacuation routes and procedures related to flooding;          (6)  post-disaster recovery planning for water   infrastructure; and          (7)  any other water-related emergency management matters   within the river authority's jurisdiction or expertise.   Sec. 503.  COORDINATION ACTIVITIES. The coordination required by   this section shall include:          (1)  Regular consultation between the river authority and   county emergency management personnel, with meetings held at least   annually or more frequently as determined necessary by either   party;          (2)  Sharing of relevant data, studies, and technical   information related to flood risks, dam safety, and water   infrastructure that may be useful for emergency planning purposes;          (3)  Joint participation in emergency planning exercises and   training when practicable;          (4)  Coordination in seeking technical assistance and   expertise from the Texas Division of Emergency Management under   existing programs and resources.   Sec. 418.504.  USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES. The river authority and   county shall utilize existing resources and personnel in fulfilling   the requirements of this section.   Sec. 505.505.  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Both the river authority and   county are encouraged to seek technical assistance from the Texas   Division of Emergency Management, which shall provide guidance and   support using existing resources and programs available through the   division.   SECTION 2.  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 on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative   session.