The bill, S.B. No. 32, aims to enhance the powers and duties of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in relation to local states of disaster. It amends various sections of the Business & Commerce Code and Government Code to clarify the definition of a "declared disaster" to include declarations made by the administrative head of TDEM. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow TDEM to monitor conditions in political subdivisions and declare a local state of disaster if necessary, particularly when imminent harm is present and local officials are unavailable. The governing body of the political subdivision retains the authority to rescind such declarations.

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 punishment for certain offenses will be elevated if they occur in a disaster area, thereby reinforcing the seriousness of criminal activity during emergencies. 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 (Penal Code 12, Government Code 418, Commerce Code 108, Government Code 37)