Bill > HB189

This bill amends the Texas Government Code to enhance public participation in emergency management planning at both the state and local levels. Specifically, the bill requires the state emergency management division to not only seek advice from various stakeholders like local governments, businesses, and community leaders, but also to provide all interested persons, including those with disabilities, a reasonable opportunity to submit comments about proposed emergency management plans or revisions, either orally or in writing. The division must fully consider these submissions, with an exception for plans containing sensitive information about critical infrastructures. Similarly, local and interjurisdictional emergency management agencies must also give interested persons a chance to provide input on their plans and meaningfully consider those submissions, again with an exemption for plans involving sensitive information. The bill aims to increase transparency and community involvement in emergency preparedness by ensuring that diverse perspectives can be heard during the planning process. The legislation 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=HB189