Bill > SB871

This bill modifies Texas state law regarding disasters and emergencies by making several key changes to clarify and limit the powers of the governor and local governments during emergency situations. The bill redefines "disaster" to exclude civil unrest and military actions, and introduces new provisions that reserve the authority to restrict business operations during a declared disaster or emergency exclusively to the state legislature. The governor is now required to convene a special legislative session if business restrictions need to be implemented and the legislature is not already in session. The bill also places new limitations on the governor's ability to suspend laws, particularly those related to criminal procedures, elections, and specific state agency regulations. Additionally, it mandates greater transparency by requiring the governor's office and impacted state agencies to publish lists of suspended statutes and rules on their websites. Local disaster declarations are now prohibited from conflicting with or expanding state-level disaster declarations without explicit gubernatorial authorization. The bill is contingent on the passage of a related constitutional amendment and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, if that amendment is approved by voters.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB871