S.B. No. 2 aims to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas through various new provisions and amendments. It allows justices of the peace to certify that an autopsy is unnecessary for bodies resulting from natural disasters under specific conditions, with this provision set to expire on April 1, 2027. The bill also mandates a training program for justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner, focusing on mass fatality management, which must be completed within a year of taking office. Additionally, it introduces new sections in the Government Code that grant the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection access to criminal history records for disaster response personnel, and requires local emergency management agencies to conduct annual drills and post-disaster reports.

The bill establishes a licensing system for emergency managers and a statewide volunteer management system, detailing the requirements for obtaining and maintaining emergency manager licenses, including training and criminal history checks. It also mandates that local governments and state agencies register and manage volunteers through this system, ensuring public safety through background checks. Furthermore, the bill creates a Small- and Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Program, including a recovery fund and zero-interest loans for affected businesses, and establishes a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to enhance real-time data for emergency management. The bill will take effect on the 91st day after the legislative session, with certain provisions, including training requirements, effective January 1, 2027, and it repeals Subchapter EE, Chapter 481 of the Government Code while providing a temporary exemption for justices of the peace from removal for not completing training until December 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Government Code 481, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Water Code 16)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Government Code 481, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Water Code 16)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Government Code 481, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Water Code 16)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.1236, Government Code 418.005, Government Code 418.1015, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 481.451, Government Code 481.452, Government Code 481.453, Government Code 481.454, Government Code 481.455, Government Code 481.457, Government Code 489.107, Water Code 16.062 (Government Code 481, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Water Code 16)