Senate passes disaster‑fraud bill to curb scams during emergencies

The Senate passed a committee substitute to House Bill 20, a measure lawmakers said is aimed at preventing fraud and improper solicitation during declared disasters. The motion to suspend the rules was approved, the committee substitute was read, and the bill passed third reading with a recorded vote of 26 ayes and zero nays.

Senator Perry, speaking in support, said the bill establishes an organized framework for disaster donations and creates criminal offenses for schemes that prey on victims. "Going forward... locals will be required to have designated a certain charity, nonprofit organization that will be the designee for receiving those [donations]," Perry said, and the bill creates penalties for fraudulent solicitations and theft during declared disasters.

Why it matters: Disasters often spur ad hoc fundraising and third‑party solicitations; supporters said the bill will provide an orderly mechanism for lawful giving and punish fraudsters who exploit victims. The transcript shows unanimous final passage on the floor during the session excerpt.

Formal action

- Motion: Senator Perry moved suspension of the regular order and moved final passage of the committee substitute for House Bill 20.
- Vote: The Senate recorded 26 ayes, 0 nays on final passage.

Ending: The Senate approved the measure on the floor; the provided excerpts summarize the bill's aims and recorded passage but do not include the full text of the committee substitute or details on implementation timelines.