H.B. No. 48 establishes an alert notification system working group within the Texas Division of Emergency Management, tasked with studying the effectiveness of statewide alert systems used to notify residents of various events. The working group will consist of nine members appointed by the chief of the division by December 31, 2025. Their duties include evaluating existing alert systems, assessing the impact of notification fatigue, and considering the needs of specific populations such as individuals who are hard of hearing, those with chronic illnesses, and senior citizens. The group is also authorized to consult with federal and state agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to gather necessary information for their study.
The working group is required to submit a report by December 1, 2026, detailing their findings and legislative recommendations based on their study. The bill specifies that the working group will be dissolved, and the act will expire on January 1, 2027. This legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness of alert notification systems in Texas and ensure they meet the needs of all residents.