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 allows justices of the peace to certify that an autopsy is unnecessary for bodies related to natural disaster injuries, provided there are no unlawful acts involved. It also mandates a training program for justices on managing mass fatality events and establishes new provisions for the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to access criminal history records for disaster response personnel. Additionally, the bill requires local emergency management agencies to conduct annual drills on their emergency management plans, with exceptions during disaster declarations.

The bill introduces two new subchapters to the Government Code, creating a framework for emergency manager licenses and a statewide volunteer management system. Subchapter M outlines the requirements for obtaining various levels of emergency manager licenses, while Subchapter N focuses on managing volunteers in disaster response, including maintaining an online database for tracking volunteer activities. The bill also establishes a Small- and Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Program, providing zero-interest loans to affected businesses and outlining responsibilities for community development financial institutions. Furthermore, it creates a statewide meteorological data monitoring work group to develop a plan for flood gauges and other equipment, with a deadline for submission by December 1, 2026. The bill will take effect on the 91st day after the legislative session, with certain provisions, including training requirements, effective January 1, 2027.

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