bill opening emergency management plans to public comment

The text as introduced · 267 words

89R16056 CXP-D

By: Morales Shaw
H.B. No. 5239

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to requiring certain governmental entities to allow

interested persons to comment on the proposed adoption or revision

of certain emergency management plans.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 418.042(b), Government Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b) In preparing and revising the state emergency

management plan, the division shall :

(1) seek the advice and assistance of local

government, business, labor, industry, agriculture, civic

organizations, volunteer organizations, and community leaders ;

(2) give all interested persons, including persons

with disabilities, a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views,

or arguments about the plan or revision, orally or in writing,

unless the plan or revision contains sensitive information relating

to critical infrastructures or facilities; and

(3) consider fully all written and oral submissions

about the proposed plan or revision received under Subdivision (2) .

SECTION 2. Section 418.106, Government Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) Before adopting or revising an emergency management

plan, a local or interjurisdictional agency, as applicable, shall

give all interested persons, including persons with disabilities, a

reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, or arguments about

the plan or revision, orally or in writing, and consider fully all

written and oral submissions about the proposed plan or revision. A

local or interjurisdictional agency is not required to comply with

the requirements of this subsection if the plan or revision

contains sensitive information described by Subsection (e).

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.