H.B. No. 256 introduces a new chapter, Chapter 796, to the Government Code, which mandates certain state entities to develop and publish a severe weather adaptation plan by September 1 of each even-numbered year. The entities required to comply include the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Safety, the General Land Office, and several others. The severe weather adaptation plan must assess the entity's role in relation to severe weather events and include a vulnerability assessment, a review of existing programs, an analysis of budget impacts over the next 2, 5, and 10 years, potential funding sources, and a strategy for monitoring the ongoing effects of severe weather.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that these plans must be posted on a publicly accessible website and submitted to key state officials, including the governor and the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The plans are subject to audit by the state auditor, ensuring accountability and compliance. The bill also allows entities to consult with the Office of the Texas State Climatologist during the development of their plans. This legislation aims to enhance the state's preparedness for severe weather events through structured planning and collaboration among various governmental departments.

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