Bill > HB3858

This bill establishes a new approval process for counties and municipalities seeking to construct or operate temporary housing or emergency shelters for disaster victims in Texas. Under the proposed legislation, local governments must submit an application to the governor with detailed information about the proposed location and request a public safety assessment from the state's emergency management department. The department will conduct an assessment that includes evaluating the crime rate of the proposed site, and then submit its findings to the governor. The governor will then review the application, public safety assessment, and any additional relevant information to determine whether the location is sufficiently safe for disaster victims. If the governor finds the location unsafe, the application will be denied with an explanation of why. During an actual disaster, counties and municipalities can temporarily operate housing or shelters without prior approval, but must apply for approval within 30 days of beginning operations. The bill requires the governor to adopt rules for implementing this new approval process and will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing local governments and state officials time to prepare for the new requirements.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3858