The bill, H.B. No. 179, aims to establish a toxic chemical emergency alert system to notify individuals in the vicinity of a manufacturing facility in the event of a toxic chemical release that poses a significant threat to human health or the environment. The bill amends Section 505.017 of the Health and Safety Code, changing its heading to include "TOXIC CHEMICAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM" and adding several new subsections. These subsections outline the responsibilities of state agencies in issuing alerts, including a requirement for the responsible agency to notify affected individuals within 30 minutes of determining a release will endanger health or the environment. The Department of Public Safety is also tasked with notifying individuals if the Texas Division of Emergency Management requests it.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development and maintenance of the alert system by the state emergency response commission, which must provide notifications through various channels, including reverse 9-1-1 calls, text messages, and social media, in both English and Spanish. The alerts must include critical information such as the areas affected, the chemicals involved, and instructions for protection from exposure. The commission is required to review and modify the alert system every four years, and it must be established by March 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 505.017 (Health and Safety Code 505)