The bill, H.B. No. 440, mandates that certain alert messages in Texas be provided in both English and Spanish. It amends various sections of the Education Code and Government Code to ensure that emergency alert systems at institutions of higher education, as well as alerts related to power outages, missing persons, and active shooter situations, include information in both languages. Specifically, the bill requires that information disseminated through these alert systems, including text messages and dynamic message signs, be bilingual to enhance accessibility and understanding for a broader audience.

Key amendments include the requirement for emergency alerts from higher education institutions to be bilingual, as well as stipulations for power outage alerts, Silver Alerts for missing senior citizens, and alerts for missing suspects or adults. The bill emphasizes the importance of clear communication during emergencies and mandates that the Department of Public Safety and educational institutions adopt rules to implement these changes by September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.218, Government Code 411.306, Government Code 411.352, Government Code 411.372, Government Code 411.388, Government Code 411.448, Government Code 411.468 (Government Code 411, Education Code 51)