Bill Text: TX HB588 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to a statewide disaster alert system.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-04-11 - Withdrawn from schedule [HB588 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB588-Introduced.html
  88R2636 SRA-D
 
  By: Raymond H.B. No. 588
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a statewide disaster alert system.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter L to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER L. STATEWIDE DISASTER ALERT SYSTEM
         Sec. 418.451.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "alert
  system" means the statewide disaster alert system developed and
  implemented under this subchapter.
         Sec. 418.452.  ESTABLISHMENT OF ALERT SYSTEM. (a) With the
  cooperation of the office of the governor and appropriate state
  agencies, the division shall develop and implement a statewide
  alert system to activate in the event of a disaster affecting any
  location in this state.
         (b)  The alert system may be operated in conjunction with any
  other emergency alert system required by federal or state law. The
  alert system must notify persons statewide of a disaster affecting
  any location in this state. The notification must be provided
  through:
               (1)  public and commercial television or radio
  broadcasts;
               (2)  a system of dynamic message signs located across
  this state; and
               (3)  reverse 9-1-1 telephone calls, text messages,
  e-mails, social media, and other instant messaging systems.
         (c)  The division shall allow persons to register for a
  preferred method of receiving the notification described by
  Subsection (b)(3).
         Sec. 418.453.  ACTIVATION OF ALERT SYSTEM. (a) When the
  division determines that a disaster has occurred or that the
  occurrence or threat of disaster is imminent or is notified of a
  declaration of disaster under this chapter, the division shall
  immediately activate the alert system.
         (b)  The division shall issue updated notifications for the
  duration of the disaster.
         Sec. 418.454.  CONTENT OF ALERT SYSTEM NOTIFICATION. (a) A
  notification issued under the alert system must include all
  information necessary to:
               (1)  assist a person affected by the disaster with
  making informed decisions regarding the person's safety; and
               (2)  enable a person in another location in this state
  to assist an affected person.
         (b)  The notification must include:
               (1)  real-time information regarding the availability
  of gas, food, lodging, 24-hour pharmacy services, and medical care
  and the disposition of a deceased individual;
               (2)  for a hurricane, the category classification of
  the hurricane, including updated information on changes in the
  category classification, the expected time and location of
  landfall, and other detailed information; and
               (3)  other information the division determines
  appropriate.
         Sec. 418.455.  TERMINATION OF ALERT SYSTEM. The division
  shall terminate the activation of the alert system when:
               (1)  the division determines that:
                     (A)  the threat or danger has passed; or
                     (B)  the disaster has been addressed to the extent
  that emergency conditions no longer exist; or
               (2)  the state of disaster is terminated as provided by
  this chapter.
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
  of this Act, the Texas Division of Emergency Management shall
  implement Subchapter L, Chapter 418, Government Code, as added by
  this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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