Washington County State Representative Tim O’Neal (R-48) will be introducing legislation as part of a package of bills to enhance a community’s ability to clear creeks and streams in an effort to limit flooding and protect lives and property. House Bill 2409 authored by O’Neal would state that no permit would be required to remove flood related hazards from streams that are declared to be under an emergency by the state or a county. This bill would join seven other bills looking to improve the efficiency of keeping streams and creeks clear of debris to prevent local flooding.