The bill, S.B. No. 67, aims to enhance the powers and duties of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in relation to local states of disaster and to increase criminal penalties for offenses committed during such emergencies. Key amendments include the definition of a "declared disaster," which now encompasses declarations made by the administrative head of TDEM, in addition to those made by the president, governor, or local governing bodies. The bill also introduces provisions allowing TDEM to monitor conditions for potential local disaster declarations and to act if local officials are unavailable, including the authority to declare a local state of disaster and order evacuations if necessary.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding the duration of local disaster declarations and the authority of governing bodies to rescind such declarations made by TDEM. It also increases the penalties for certain offenses committed in areas under a disaster declaration, now including those declared by TDEM. The changes aim to streamline emergency management processes and enhance public safety during disasters. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 108.001, Government Code 37.004, Government Code 418.108, Penal Code 12.50 (Government Code 37, Government Code 418, Penal Code 12, Commerce Code 108)