S.B. No. 1 is a comprehensive bill aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas. It introduces new regulations for justices of the peace and emergency management personnel, allowing justices to certify that an autopsy is unnecessary for disaster-related deaths under certain conditions. The bill mandates a training program for justices on managing mass fatality events and establishes provisions for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Texas Division of Emergency Management to access criminal history information for disaster response volunteers. Additionally, it creates a licensing system for emergency managers, detailing responsibilities, training requirements, and a tiered licensing structure, while also establishing a statewide volunteer management system to coordinate disaster response efforts.

The legislation further amends existing laws to support small and micro-businesses affected by disasters, creating a Small- and Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Program with a dedicated recovery fund and criteria for disaster recovery loans. It also introduces safety regulations for campgrounds in floodplains, requiring operators to develop evacuation plans and install emergency ladders. The bill establishes a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to enhance flood safety and emergency preparedness, and it grants the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Division of Emergency Management authority to neutralize unmanned aircraft in disaster areas. Overall, S.B. No. 1 aims to improve Texas's disaster response capabilities and support economic recovery for affected businesses.

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 (Water Code 16, Government Code 418, Government Code 489, Government Code 481)
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 (Government Code 411, Government Code 418, Water Code 16, Water Code 141, Government Code 489, Government Code 481)
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 (Government Code 411, Government Code 418, Water Code 16, Water Code 141, Government Code 489, Government Code 481)