Bill > SB1104

This bill amends the Government Code to clarify the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies. Key provisions include: reserving to the legislature the authority to restrict or impair the operation or occupancy of businesses during a declared state of disaster, requiring the governor to convene the legislature in special session to respond to certain disasters, limiting the governor's ability to suspend certain laws and rules, and preempting local disaster declarations that conflict with or expand the scope of a state-level declaration. The bill also changes the definition of "disaster" and the governor's authority to proclaim a state of emergency. The bill's provisions would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters.