Bill > HB58

This bill amends Texas state law to enhance training and credentialing requirements for emergency management officers and coordinators. Specifically, the bill expands the scope of who must receive emergency management training to include elected and appointed public officers at both state and local levels with emergency management responsibilities. The bill requires the state division responsible for emergency management to develop training courses that include information about the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Additionally, the bill establishes a new credentialing system that mandates recipients of training certificates complete continuing education hours at regular intervals, verify their education, and confirm their identity and deployment readiness. The continuing education courses can cover topics such as disaster coordination, incident command, legal updates, mass casualty management, risk communication, radio operations, and region-specific hazard preparedness. While most continuing education courses can be completed online or in a hybrid format, courses involving physical skills like evacuation techniques and tactical rescue coordination must be presented in-person. The bill emphasizes that failure to complete required training does not invalidate official actions taken by state or local governments, and it will take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB58