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. It amends the Business & Commerce Code and Government Code to clarify that a local state of disaster can be declared not only by the governing body of a political subdivision but also by the administrative head of TDEM. The bill introduces new provisions that allow TDEM to monitor conditions in political subdivisions and declare a local state of disaster if necessary, especially when imminent harm is present and local officials are unavailable. Additionally, it grants TDEM the authority to order evacuations and control access to disaster areas until local officials can respond.

Furthermore, the bill increases criminal penalties for offenses committed in areas under a state of disaster, including those declared by TDEM. It specifies that the governing body of a political subdivision can rescind a declaration made by TDEM, ensuring a check on the division's authority. The bill also includes provisions for the duration of local disaster declarations, limiting them to seven days unless extended with consent. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline emergency management processes and enhance public safety during disasters.

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, Commerce Code 108, Penal Code 12)