H.B. No. 190 aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response at both state and local government levels in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code to include new provisions that focus on the needs of vulnerable populations during disasters. For instance, it requires the development of a model guide for local officials that includes planning practices for emergency management that specifically address the needs of individuals with disabilities, the homeless, and low-income households. Additionally, the bill mandates that emergency management plans incorporate integrated operations for individuals with disabilities, establish minimum health standards for shelters, and create an emergency notification system that effectively communicates with these populations.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between state and local authorities to avoid duplicative efforts in disaster education and preparedness programs. It introduces new requirements for the governor's homeland security strategy to include plans for building community resilience and reducing long-term vulnerabilities for persons with disabilities. The legislation also outlines the need for crisis standards of care plans and mandates that declarations of emergencies include specific details about the threshold events for implementing these standards. Overall, H.B. No. 190 seeks to create a more inclusive and effective framework for disaster response and recovery in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.054, Government Code 418.106, Government Code 418.186, Government Code 418.1882, Government Code 418.192, Government Code 421.002, Health and Safety Code 81.0813 (Government Code 418, Health and Safety Code 81, Government Code 421)