The bill, H.B. No. 457, aims to establish a toxic chemical emergency alert system in Texas to notify residents of potential releases of toxic chemicals from manufacturing facilities that could endanger human health or the environment. The bill amends Section 505.017 of the Health and Safety Code, adding new subsections that require the responsible state agency to notify individuals in the affected area within 30 minutes of determining that a release poses a significant threat. The state emergency response commission is tasked with developing and maintaining this alert system, which must allow residents to register for preferred notification methods and provide alerts in both English and Spanish.

Key features of the alert system include notifications through various channels such as reverse 9-1-1 calls, text messages, and social media, as well as detailed information about the release, including affected areas, toxicity, and protective measures. The commission is also required to review and update the system every four years. The implementation deadline for the alert system is set for January 1, 2027, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 505.017 (Health and Safety Code 505)