Senate committee backs measure to widen governor's disaster fund, sends SB 2232 to calendar
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Summary
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee recommended SB 2232 for passage, expanding the governor's response and recovery fund to add assistance pathways for local governments (including school districts and utilities) and individuals when FEMA aid is unlikely; the measure passed committee 10-1.
Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee members voted to recommend Senate Bill 2232 to the committee on calendar after sponsor Senator Yeager described changes to the governor's response and recovery fund meant to help communities and individuals after disasters.
Yeager, the bill's sponsor, told the committee the bill creates two additional pathways for assistance: aid to local governments for debris removal, infrastructure repair and emergency protective measures (local government defined to include cities, counties, school districts and utilities), and direct assistance to individuals when FEMA aid is unlikely to be triggered. He said the measure includes fiscal protections to prevent duplication with insurance or federal aid and requires federal procurement compliance and an 18-month completion window for grantees.
The sponsor illustrated the need by recalling a past tornado in Sunbright, Tennessee, where local resources were insufficient and FEMA aid was unavailable; he said the fund would have helped that town. Yeager moved the bill on the committee floor.
Senator Sarah LaBarre asked whether the bill would allow both federal and state responses and whether political considerations could affect awards to local governments. Yeager said federal and state responses could occur but the bill prohibits duplication of funds and includes strict rules and accountability to limit political influence.
Clerks conducted a roll-call vote. Senator Hale voted No; Senators Hensley, Johnson, Powers, Stevens, Wally, Yager, Yarbrough and Chairman Watson voted Aye. The clerk announced a final tally of 10 Ayes and 1 No. The committee recommended SB 2232 for passage to the calendar.
The committee also reviewed a finance administration letter noting the original budget proposal for the measure and a revised fiscal note: the administration reported the bill's fiscal note rose from $356,400 recurring to $367,700 recurring and that the administration plans to fund the $11,300 difference in an amendment to its budget.