Bill > SB1

This bill establishes comprehensive reforms and new provisions related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas. The bill creates a new licensing system for emergency managers, requiring individuals serving as emergency management coordinators to obtain an emergency manager license within six months of designation, with different license levels based on training and experience. It establishes a statewide volunteer management system to register, credential, and manage disaster response volunteers, including provisions for conducting criminal background checks. The bill also introduces new requirements for local emergency management plans, such as establishing unified incident command structures in smaller counties and mandating post-disaster after-action reports. Additional provisions include enhanced training requirements for justices of the peace in handling mass fatality events, new safety standards for campgrounds in floodplains, and expanded disaster recovery loan programs to include small businesses alongside micro-businesses. The bill also grants the Department of Public Safety and Texas Division of Emergency Management authority to neutralize unauthorized unmanned aircraft operating in disaster areas. Other notable provisions include creating a mass fatality operations rapid response team, developing a centralized fatality tracking system, and establishing a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities.