H.B. No. 2 seeks to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas by implementing new training requirements for justices of the peace and establishing a licensing system for emergency managers. A new section, 27.0055, is added to the Government Code, which mandates that justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner complete a training program focused on managing mass fatality events. This training will cover essential protocols for autopsies, body identification, and coordination with governmental agencies. Additionally, failure to complete this training within one year of election will be deemed "incompetency," allowing for potential removal under local government law.

The bill also introduces amendments that enable the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Texas Division of Emergency Management to access criminal history records for individuals involved in emergency management. It establishes a licensing framework for emergency managers, allowing for the consideration of military experience and other qualifications towards eligibility. The commission is granted the authority to set fees for licensing and conduct criminal history checks, while also outlining a renewal process that includes continuing education requirements. Furthermore, the legislation creates a statewide volunteer management system for disaster response, mandates criminal history checks for volunteers, and establishes a rapid response team for mass fatality events, ultimately aiming to enhance the state's emergency management capabilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005 (Government Code 411, Government Code 418)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005 (Government Code 411, Government Code 418)