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State ability to detect, deter and respond to homeland security
issues
by State Representative Glenn
Hegar
Our perspectives of safety and preparedness for attacks by terrorists and natural disasters have changed drastically in recent years. The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and the devastating hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 have forced individuals and the government to re-evaluate their capability to prevent or react to these types of situations. Homeland security has become one of the most important subjects addressed by our government.
During the 79th Legislative Session, state lawmakers took steps to increase the state�s ability to effectively deal with adverse conditions and create a more comprehensive Homeland Security Plan. Senate Bill 9 is one piece of legislation that will make a profound impact on homeland security in Texas.
Senate Bill 9, authored by Senator Todd Staples, directly addresses the state�s ability to detect, deter, and respond to homeland security issues. The bill changes the name of and alters the composition of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Council (CIPC) to the Homeland Security Council (HSC), which consists of agency representatives that advise the Governor on critical infrastructure protection strategy for the state�s homeland security.
The CIPC, created in 2003, 78th Legislative Session, was comprised of thirteen groups including the Texas National Guard and the Office of the Attorney General, but did not include representation from local law enforcement or the private sector.
Senate Bill 9 creates two permanent advisory committees, the Private Sector Advisory Council and the First Responder Advisory Council. The Private Sector Advisory Council will advise the Governor on homeland security issues relevant to the private sector. The First Responder Advisory Council will advise the Governor on homeland security issues relevant to statewide exercises for interoperability, the integration of statewide exercises for hazards, and the related use for available funding. The additions to SB9 will serve to make the HSC a more comprehensive and useful body that will make the State of Texas safer and more prepared for natural and manmade disasters.
Senate Bill 9 also provides for improvement in the areas of agro-terrorism, mutual aid, first responder radio and computer communications interoperability in the state, the Health Alert Network, public drinking water security, and protection of critical infrastructure.
One of the highlights of this bill is the creation of the Governor�s Interoperable Radio Communications Program which will require the governor to develop and administer a statewide integrated public safety radio communications system that will promote interoperability between public safety oriented entities. This will create more efficient communication between police offices, fire fighters, and EMS crews.
Another important piece of SB9 allows the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to pursue a policy to protect the state against shipments of dangerous plant and animal pests and diseases. Agriculture is a vital part of Texas� economy and ensuring that it is protected against agro-terrorism will help to maintain a stable economy regardless of threats the state may face.
The quest to provide the ultimate security blanket and preparedness plan to protect the citizens of the state of Texas remains a constant for private citizens, first responders, and lawmakers. Laws such as Senate Bill 9 are a part of how we as lawmakers are working to make Texas a safer state.
Glenn Hegar is a sixth generation Texan and earns a living farming rice and corn on land that has been in his family since the mid 1800s. Glenn, his wife, Dara, and newborn daughter Claire reside in Katy, Texas and attend Katy Memorial Lutheran Church. He was re-elected to his second term in the Texas Legislature in November 2004 to serve District 28, which includes Wharton, Waller and Fort Bend Counties. Representative Hegar serves as a member of the highly influential Committee on Appropriations and is the Chairman for Budget and Oversight for the Committee on Law Enforcement. He is a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Coalition, the Rural Legislative Caucus; the Republican Legislative Caucus, and many Chambers of Commerce throughout District 28. He currently serves as Chairman of the Katy Area Performing Arts Society, as well as a board member of the Christ Clinic.
For comments regarding this article, contact the district office at 281-391-8883.
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