The bill aims to improve disaster response and preparedness in Texas by implementing new training requirements for justices of the peace and establishing a licensing system for emergency managers. It introduces Section 27.0055 to the Government Code, which mandates that justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner complete a training program on managing mass fatality events within one year of their election. This training will cover essential protocols and best practices for coordinating with governmental agencies. Additionally, the bill adds Section 411.14104, allowing the Texas Division of Emergency Management to access criminal history records for individuals applying for emergency manager licenses or registering as disaster response volunteers.

Moreover, the bill establishes Subchapters M and N in Chapter 418 of the Government Code, detailing the requirements for obtaining an emergency manager license, including necessary training and experience. It also mandates the creation of a statewide volunteer management system to register and manage disaster response volunteers, ensuring effective coordination among governmental entities. The bill includes provisions for criminal history checks on volunteer applicants and establishes criteria for application denials based on criminal history. Furthermore, it outlines a framework for mass fatality operations, including the creation of a rapid response team and a centralized fatality tracking system, with the provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

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