S.B. No. 2 aims to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Texas by implementing new regulations for justices of the peace and emergency management officials. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow justices of the peace to certify that an autopsy is unnecessary for bodies resulting from natural disasters under specific conditions. It also requires the development of a training program for justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner, focusing on mass fatality management. Additionally, the bill establishes educational requirements for emergency management personnel and outlines procedures for designating emergency management directors when the presiding officer is absent. It mandates local emergency management agencies to conduct annual drills on their emergency plans and complete post-disaster after-action reports to ensure accountability.

The bill introduces new provisions, including the establishment of emergency manager licenses and a statewide volunteer management system. It outlines the requirements for obtaining an emergency manager license, including training and criminal history checks, and mandates that individuals must hold a license to serve as an emergency management coordinator for more than six months. The statewide volunteer management system will register and manage volunteers assisting in disaster response, requiring an online database to track volunteer credentials. Furthermore, the bill establishes safety requirements for campgrounds in floodplains, including emergency evacuation plans and fire protection standards. It also creates a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to enhance emergency management decisions. Overall, S.B. No. 2 seeks to strengthen Texas's capacity to respond to disasters and support affected communities effectively.

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 (Water Code 16, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Government Code 481)
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 (Water Code 16, Government Code 418, Government Code 411, Government Code 489, Government Code 481)