The bill, H.B. No. 61, proposes the establishment of a statewide real-time emergency communications platform in Texas, aimed at enhancing communication among governmental and other agencies during natural disasters and emergencies. The new Section 418.0475 of the Government Code outlines the responsibilities of the division to develop and maintain this platform, ensuring it is capable of rapid communication, facilitates interagency coordination, and integrates various functionalities such as mapping, alerts, and resource management. The platform is required to be accessible to emergency management personnel at all levels and must be interoperable with existing communication systems.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the platform will be incorporated into the comprehensive state emergency management plan and mandates that local agencies include it in their emergency management plans. Access to the platform will be granted to various state agencies, municipalities, counties, and other entities involved in disaster preparedness and response. The division is also authorized to collaborate with state agencies for the platform's development and maintenance, and agencies may utilize available funds to cover associated costs. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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