S.B. No. 1 is a legislative bill designed to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas. It introduces provisions allowing justices of the peace to certify that an autopsy is unnecessary in cases of death due to natural disasters, provided there is clear evidence that the cause was not due to unlawful acts; this provision will expire on April 1, 2027. The bill also mandates a training program for justices of the peace on managing mass fatality events and establishes new licensing requirements for emergency managers, including a tiered licensing system with specific eligibility criteria. Additionally, it creates a statewide volunteer management system to coordinate disaster response volunteers and includes provisions for criminal history checks for both emergency manager license applicants and volunteers.

The legislation further amends existing laws to support small and micro-businesses affected by disasters, establishing a Small- and Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Program with a dedicated recovery fund and criteria for disaster recovery loans. It also introduces safety requirements for campgrounds in floodplains, mandating emergency ladders and evacuation plans, and establishes a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to improve access to real-time data for emergency management. The bill aims to improve the overall effectiveness of emergency management in Texas by ensuring proper training, accountability, and support for both individuals and businesses impacted by disasters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Government Code 489, Government Code 481, Water Code 16, Government Code 418)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 141.002 (Water Code 141, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Government Code 481, Water Code 16, Government Code 418)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Water Code 141, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Government Code 481, Water Code 16, Government Code 418)