The bill, S.B. No. 21, amends the Local Government Code by adding Section 370.011, which mandates municipalities and counties in Texas to post localized health and safety alerts on their Internet websites. These alerts are defined as weather or emergency notifications issued by recognized agencies such as the National Weather Service or the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Upon receiving such an alert that may impact their area, municipalities or counties that maintain a website are required to display the alert prominently, ensuring that it is clear and accessible to the public.

The new section outlines specific requirements for the content of the localized health and safety alerts. These include detailing the areas affected by the alert, providing a link to a website with updated information, indicating the projected movement of the emergency, and offering instructions for public safety, such as evacuation routes and safe zones. The provisions of this act will apply only to alerts received on or after its effective date, which is set for 91 days following the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()