The bill, H.B. No. 224, introduces new provisions regarding local emergency warning systems operated by municipalities and counties in Texas. It adds Section 418.1103 to the Government Code, which defines "contact information" and allows political subdivisions to contract with the department for the disclosure of residents' contact information, provided that residents consent to such disclosure for participation in the emergency warning system. Additionally, participants can request removal from the system by submitting a written request, including a text message, to cease receiving emergency warnings.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 521.016 to the Transportation Code, which allows individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license to voluntarily consent to participate in local emergency warning systems and authorize the disclosure of their contact information to the relevant municipality or county. The department is required to include a section on the driver's license application for this purpose and to ensure that the contact information obtained is used solely for enrolling individuals in the emergency warning system and issuing warnings. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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