Bill > HB5464

This bill makes several significant changes to the Texas Government Code regarding disaster management and gubernatorial powers. The bill requires the Governor to convene a special legislative session if a state of disaster meets certain criteria, such as affecting two-fifths of counties or half the state's population. During this special session, the Legislature can renew or extend the state of disaster, enact related laws, and exercise its constitutional powers. The bill limits the duration of a declared state of disaster to 30 days (or 90 days for nuclear or radiological events) unless the Legislature extends it. Additionally, the bill removes the previous provision that gave executive orders and proclamations the force of law, and specifically prohibits the Governor from issuing executive orders that mandate face mask wearing or restrict business operations during a disaster, unless specifically authorized by other laws. Similarly, the bill prevents local political subdivision leaders from issuing orders requiring face masks or limiting business operations during a declared local state of disaster. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the required immediate voting threshold.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5464