Committee moves bill to enshrine Homeland Security office in statute

House Bill 16-39 was placed on the committee calendar with an amendment and advanced to calendar and rules. Chairman Doggett, the sponsor, told members the Department/Office of Homeland Security has been operating under executive order for about 20 years and the bill would put its duties and responsibilities into statute.

Representative Dixie asked how terrorism is defined in the legislation; Chairman Doggett replied that the relevant definitions already exist in code and that the bill’s purpose is to codify responsibilities and authorities that the office has performed since 9/11.

The committee voted to advance the bill; the clerk reported 19 ayes and 2 nos.