By: Perry, et al. S.B. No. 1     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery;   requiring a license; authorizing fees.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Article 49.10, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:          (e-1)  This subsection expires April 1, 2027.   Notwithstanding Subsections (c) and (e) and Subchapter F, Chapter   264, Family Code, for each body that is the subject of an inquest by   a justice of the peace, the justice may certify that an autopsy is   not necessary if:                (1)  the justice determines by clear and convincing   evidence that:                      (A)  the cause of death was the result of injuries   sustained as a result of a natural disaster; and                      (B)  the death was not caused by an unlawful act or   omission; and                (2)  a person described by Article 49.33(a) is not   otherwise seeking an autopsy, regardless of the person's listed   priority for purposes of that subsection.          SECTION 2.  Article 49A.063, Code of Criminal Procedure, as   added by H.B. 1610, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session,   2025, and effective April 1, 2027, is amended by adding Subsection   (c-1) to read as follows:          (c-1)  Notwithstanding Subsections (b) and (c) and   Subchapter F, Chapter 264, Family Code, for each body that is the   subject of an inquest by a justice of the peace, the justice may   certify that an autopsy is not necessary if:                (1)  the justice determines by clear and convincing   evidence that:                      (A)  the cause of death was the result of injuries   sustained as a result of a natural disaster; and                      (B)  the death was not caused by an unlawful act or   omission; and                (2)  a person described by Article 49A.203(a) is not   otherwise seeking an autopsy, regardless of the person's listed   priority for purposes of that subsection.          SECTION 3.  Subchapter A, Chapter 27, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 27.0055 to read as follows:          Sec. 27.0055.  EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN   JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. (a)  This section applies only to a justice   of the peace of a county not served by a medical examiner.          (b)  The Department of State Health Services, in   collaboration with the Texas Division of Emergency Management,   shall develop a training program for justices of the peace on   managing mass fatality events. The training program must include:                (1)  decision-making protocols for ordering an   autopsy;                (2)  standards for identifying and documenting bodies;   and                (3)  best practices on:                      (A)  collecting and reporting data regarding   missing persons;                      (B)  coordinating efforts with multiple   governmental agencies during mass fatality events; and                      (C)  providing real-time status updates and   notifications for close relatives of a victim of a mass fatality.          (c)  For purposes of removal under Chapter 87, Local   Government Code, "incompetency" in the case of a justice of the   peace includes the failure of the justice to successfully complete   within one year after the date the justice is first elected the   training program developed under this section.          SECTION 4.  Section 411.1236, Government Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 411.1236.  ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD   INFORMATION: TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION. (a) The Texas   Commission on Fire Protection is entitled to obtain as provided by   Subsection (a-1) [from the department] criminal history record   information [maintained by the department] that relates to a person   who is:                (1)  an applicant for or holder of a license issued   under Subchapter M, Chapter 418, or Chapter 419; or                (2)  an applicant for employment by or an employee of   the commission.          (a-1)  Subject to Sections 411.087 and 418.459 and   consistent with the public policy of this state, the Texas   Commission on Fire Protection is entitled to:                (1)  obtain through the Federal Bureau of Investigation   criminal history record information maintained or indexed by that   bureau that pertains to an applicant for or holder of a license   issued under Subchapter M, Chapter 418; and                (2)  obtain from the department or any other criminal   justice agency in this state criminal history record information   maintained by the department or that criminal justice agency that   relates to a person described by Subsection (a).          (b)  The Texas Commission on Fire Protection may not release   or disclose to any person criminal history record information   obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Subsection   (a-1)(1). Criminal history record information obtained by the   Texas Commission on Fire Protection under Subsection (a-1)(2) [(a)]   may not be released to any person or agency except on court order or   with the consent of the person who is the subject of the criminal   history record information, or as provided by Subsection (c).          (c)  The Texas Commission on Fire Protection is not   prohibited from disclosing criminal history record information   obtained under Subsection (a-1)(2) in a criminal proceeding or in a   hearing conducted by the commission or by the State Office of   Administrative Hearings on behalf of the commission [if the   information is entered into evidence by the board in an   administrative, civil, or criminal hearing under Chapter 419].          (d)  The Texas Commission on Fire Protection shall destroy   criminal history record information that is obtained under this   section after the information is used for its authorized purpose.          SECTION 5.  Subchapter F, Chapter 411, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 411.14104 to read as follows:          Sec. 411.14104.  ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD   INFORMATION: TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.  (a)  The   Texas Division of Emergency Management is entitled to obtain   criminal history record information as provided by Subsection (b)   that relates to a person who registers as a volunteer for   governmental disaster response or recovery operations under   Subchapter N, Chapter 418.          (b)  Subject to Sections 411.087 and 418.485 and consistent   with the public policy of this state, the Texas Division of   Emergency Management is entitled to obtain from the department or   any other criminal justice agency in this state criminal history   record information maintained by the department or that criminal   justice agency that relates to a person described by Subsection   (a).          (c)  Criminal history record information obtained by the   Texas Division of Emergency Management under Subsection (b) may not   be released or disclosed to any person except on court order or as   provided by Subsection (d).          (d)  The Texas Division of Emergency Management is not   prohibited from disclosing criminal history record information   obtained under Subsection (b) in a criminal proceeding.          (e)  The Texas Division of Emergency Management shall   destroy criminal history record information that is obtained under   this section after the information is used for its authorized   purpose.          SECTION 6.  Sections 418.005(a) and (b), Government Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to:                (1)  an elected law enforcement officer [or county   judge,] or an appointed public officer of the state or of a   political subdivision, who has management or supervisory   responsibilities and:                      (A)  whose position description, job duties, or   assignment includes emergency management responsibilities; or                      (B)  who plays a role in emergency preparedness,   response, or recovery; [and]                (2)  an emergency management coordinator designated   under Section 418.1015(c);                (3)  a county judge;                (4)  a sheriff; and                (5)  a mayor of a municipality that is not covered by a   county's hazard mitigation plan [by the emergency management   director of a county with a population of 500,000 or more].          (b)  Each person described by Subsection (a) shall complete a   course of training provided or approved by the division of not less   than 16 [three] hours regarding the responsibilities of state and   local governments under this chapter every two years.  The initial   course of training must be completed not later than the 180th day   after the date the person:                (1)  takes the oath of office, if the person is required   to take an oath of office to assume the person's duties as a public   officer;                (2)  otherwise assumes responsibilities as a public   officer, if the person is not required to take an oath of office to   assume the person's duties; or                (3)  is designated as an emergency management   coordinator under Section 418.1015(c).          SECTION 7.  Section 418.1015, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (e), (f), and (g) to read as follows:          (e)  If a disaster is imminent or occurring or has recently   occurred and the presiding officer of the governing body of a county   is not able to act as emergency management director for the county   because the presiding officer is absent from the county,   incapacitated, deceased, or otherwise unavailable, the following   persons in the following order of priority, as available, are   designated as the emergency management director for the county for   purposes of the disaster until the presiding officer becomes   available:                (1)  the sheriff; or                (2)  the county commissioner with the longest period of   continuous service on the commissioners court.          (f)  If a disaster is imminent or occurring or has recently   occurred and the presiding officer of the governing body of an   incorporated city is not able to act as emergency management   director for the city because the presiding officer is absent from   the city, incapacitated, deceased, or otherwise unavailable, the   following persons in the following order of priority, as available,   are designated as the emergency management director for the city   for purposes of the disaster until the presiding officer becomes   available:                 (1)  the mayor pro tempore of the city;                (2)  if an elected position, the marshal of the city; or                (3)  the member of the governing body of the city with   the longest period of continuous service on the governing body.          (g)  Each county and incorporated city by order, ordinance,   or other measure shall adopt procedures to implement Subsection (e)   or (f), as applicable.          SECTION 8.  Section 418.106, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (b-1), (f), and (g) to read as follows:          (b-1)  In a county with a population of 68,750 or less, a   local or interjurisdictional emergency management agency's   emergency management plan must include procedures to establish a   unified incident command structure for the county and any   municipality located in the county.          (f)  Except as provided by Subsection (g), each local or   interjurisdictional emergency management agency shall annually   conduct a drill on the agency's emergency management plan. The   division shall supervise all emergency management plan drills.          (g)  If a political subdivision served by a local or   interjurisdictional emergency management agency is included in a   disaster declaration issued by the governor under Section 418.014   or by the president of the United States, the local or   interjurisdictional emergency management agency is not required to   conduct a drill on the agency's emergency management plan for one   year from the date the declaration is initially issued.          SECTION 9.  Subchapter E, Chapter 418, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 418.1103 to read as follows:          Sec. 418.1103.  POST-DISASTER AFTER-ACTION REPORT. (a) A   local or interjurisdictional emergency management agency for an   area that is wholly or partly the subject of a disaster declaration   by the governor under this chapter or by the president of the United   States shall:                (1)  complete a post-disaster after-action report on a   form prescribed by the division not later than the 60th day after   the date a disaster declaration expires or is terminated; and                (2)  submit the report to the division.          (b)  The division shall adopt the post-disaster after-action   report form required to be completed and submitted under this   section.          SECTION 10.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapters M and N to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER M. EMERGENCY MANAGER LICENSES          Sec. 418.451.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Fire   Protection.                (2)  "Emergency manager" means a person who holds an   emergency manager license under this subchapter.                (3)  "Emergency manager license" means a license issued   under this subchapter and includes a bridge, basic, intermediate,   advanced, or master license.          Sec. 418.452.  ADMINISTRATOR; RULES; FEES. (a) The   commission shall administer and enforce this subchapter.          (b)  The commission may adopt rules to implement this   subchapter.  The division shall adopt rules regarding the minimum   requirements for each type of license and the minimum requirements   for the continuing education necessary to renew an emergency   manager license in order to implement this subchapter.          (c)  The commission may adopt fees reasonable and necessary   to cover the costs of administering this subchapter.          Sec. 418.453.  DATABASE OF LICENSE HOLDERS. (a) The   commission, in coordination with the division, shall establish and   maintain records of each person who holds an emergency manager   license, including whether the license is valid and whether any   disciplinary proceeding is pending.          (b)  The commission shall make the records under this section   available to an emergency management director or the director's   associated governmental entity on request.          Sec. 418.454.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The division may   establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on the   implementation of this subchapter, including on the policies,   standards, and curriculum adopted under this subchapter.          (b)  If established, the committee consists of nine members   appointed by the division chief or the chief's designee and must   contain at least one emergency manager and a representative of a   governmental entity that employs or is associated with an emergency   manager.          (c)  Chapter 2110 does not apply to the advisory committee.          Sec. 418.455.  LICENSING REQUIREMENT. A person may not   serve as an emergency management coordinator under Section   418.1015(c) for a period that exceeds six months beginning the day   after the date on which the person was designated as an emergency   management coordinator, unless the person holds an emergency   manager license.          Sec. 418.456.  ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY MANAGER LICENSE;   ISSUANCE. (a) To be eligible for an emergency manager license, a   person must:                (1)  submit an application to the commission in a form   and manner prescribed by the commission;                (2)  demonstrate that the person meets eligibility   criteria under Section 418.457; and                (3)  not be disqualified based on the person's criminal   history, as described by Section 418.458.          (b)  The commission shall issue a bridge, basic,   intermediate, advanced, or master emergency manager license, as   appropriate, to an applicant who meets the eligibility requirements   prescribed by Subsection (a).          Sec. 418.457.  EMERGENCY MANAGER LICENSES. (a)  To be   eligible for a bridge emergency manager license, a person must   complete not less than 40 hours of training and instruction on   emergency management, which must consist of courses provided or   approved by division rule.          (b)  The division by rule shall establish the minimum   eligibility requirements for basic, intermediate, advanced, and   master emergency manager licenses, including any minimum hours of   training and instruction or years of experience performing the   duties of an emergency management coordinator.          Sec. 418.458.  INELIGIBILITY BASED ON CRIMINAL HISTORY. (a)     A person is not eligible for an emergency manager license if the   person has been convicted or placed on deferred adjudication   community supervision for:                (1)  a felony; or                (2)  any offense that directly relates to the duties   and responsibilities of an emergency management coordinator, as   determined by the commission.          (b)  The commission, in consultation with the division, may   adopt rules specifying offenses, other than those described by   Subsection (a), a conviction or placement on deferred adjudication   community supervision for which would disqualify a person as not   eligible for an emergency manager license.          Sec. 418.459.  AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.   (a) The commission may conduct a criminal history check, including   a check of any criminal history record information maintained by   the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the manner provided by   Subchapter F, Chapter 411, on each person who applies for an   emergency manager license.          (b)  For purposes of conducting the criminal history check,   the commission may require an applicant to submit a complete and   legible set of fingerprints, on a form prescribed by the   commission, to the commission or to the department for the purpose   of obtaining criminal history record information from the   department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.          (c)  The commission may require the applicant to pay a fee to   cover any costs associated with conducting a criminal history check   under this section.          Sec. 418.460.  ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS. The division by   rule may allow an applicant for an emergency manager license to   credit military experience, professional experience, education, or   another certification toward the eligibility requirements of   Section 418.457, including an emergency management credential   issued by another state.          Sec. 418.461.  PROVISION OR APPROVAL OF TRAINING REQUIRED.   The division shall provide or approve training, instruction, and   courses sufficient to enable a person to meet the licensing and   continuing education requirements under this subchapter.          Sec. 418.462.  EXPIRATION; CONTINUING EDUCATION; RENEWAL.   (a) An emergency manager license expires on the first anniversary   of the date the license is issued.          (b)  The commission shall renew an emergency manager license   if an emergency manager:                (1)  completes not less than 16 hours of continuing   education on emergency management provided or approved by division   rule; and                (2)  submits an application for renewal to the   commission on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commission.          (c)  The commission by rule may adopt a system under which   licenses expire on various dates during the year.          Sec. 418.463.  DENIAL; SUSPENSION; REVOCATION. (a) The   commission may deny the issuance or renewal of an emergency manager   license or suspend or revoke an emergency manager license if a   person violates this subchapter or any rule adopted by the division   or commission under this subchapter, including being disqualified   based on the person's criminal history.          (b)  A proceeding under this section is a contested case   under Chapter 2001.   SUBCHAPTER N. STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM          Sec. 418.481.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Local government" means a municipality, a county,   a special district or authority, or any other political subdivision   of this state.                (2)  "Volunteer management system" means the online   volunteer registration and management database established under   this subchapter.          Sec. 418.482.  ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM. The division shall   establish and maintain a statewide volunteer registration and   management database to register, credential, and manage   individuals who volunteer to assist in disaster response or   recovery operations at the direction and under the supervision of a   state agency or local government.          Sec. 418.483.  SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. The volunteer   management system must:                (1)  be made available online;                (2)  be maintained and updated regularly with a roster   of available volunteers;                (3)  be capable of making and coordinating volunteer   assignments among state, regional, and local governmental   entities; and                (4)  document the supervision of volunteers and the   resources available and necessary to support the volunteers.          Sec. 418.484.  USE OF SYSTEM REQUIRED; LIMITATIONS ON   REQUIRED REGISTRATION. (a) In this section:                (1)  "Community organization active in disaster" is a   nonprofit organization that regularly engages in disaster response   and recovery operations and regularly prepares for those   operations.                (2)  "Spontaneous volunteer" means an individual who:                      (A)  volunteers to assist in disaster response or   recovery; and                      (B)  is not affiliated with voluntary   organizations active in disaster or any community organization   active in disaster or with a governmental entity.                (3)  "Voluntary organizations active in disaster" is a   network of nonprofit organizations that coordinate to provide   disaster response or recovery services and may include community   organizations active in disaster.          (b)  The division and each state agency and local government   that deploys volunteers in disaster response or recovery operations   shall use the volunteer management system to:                (1)  credential and deploy the volunteers;                (2)  report in the system volunteer activity and   requests for assistance during periods when a disaster declaration   is in effect; and                (3)  coordinate volunteer programs by local   governments to ensure the programs align with state standards and   requirements.          (c)  Before the division, a state agency, or a local   government deploys a spontaneous volunteer to assist in disaster   response or recovery operations, the division, state agency, or   local government, as applicable, must ensure the spontaneous   volunteer is registered with the volunteer management system. An   individual who volunteers and is affiliated with a community   organization active in disaster or a member or affiliate   organization of voluntary organizations active in disaster may not   be required to register with the voluntary management system before   deployment.          (d)  The division may waive, wholly or partly, any   requirement of this section as necessary to facilitate an urgent   response to a disaster.          Sec. 418.485.  AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.   The division may conduct a criminal history check, based on the   criminal history record information maintained by the department or   any other criminal justice agency in this state, on each person who   applies to register as a volunteer under this subchapter.          Sec. 418.486.  INELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER BASED ON CRIMINAL   HISTORY. The division may adopt rules for the denial of a person's   application to register in the volunteer management system based on   the person's criminal history and for purposes of ensuring public   safety and operational integrity.          Sec. 418.487.  RULES. The division shall adopt rules for   implementing this subchapter, including:                (1)  registration and renewal requirements for   volunteer registrations;                (2)  training and credentialing requirements for   particular disaster response or recovery operations that involve   specialized training or experience;                (3)  procedures for conducting a criminal history check   under Section 418.485; and                (4)  protocols for deploying volunteers and reporting   incidents.          Sec. 418.488.  FUNDS; GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS.  (a)  The   division may use any available funds to implement this subchapter.          (b)  The division may seek and accept gifts, grants, and   donations to implement this subchapter.          Sec. 418.489.  AGREEMENTS. The division may enter into an   agreement with any public or private entity to support volunteer   mobilization efforts.          Sec. 418.490.  PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTED. Nothing in this   subchapter may be construed as prohibiting a real property owner   from:                (1)  consenting to allowing a volunteer onto the   owner's property; or                (2)  accepting assistance from the volunteer.          SECTION 11.  Chapter 423, Government Code, is amended by   adding Section 423.010 to read as follows:          Sec. 423.010.  AUTHORITY TO NEUTRALIZE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT   OPERATING IN DISASTER AREA. (a)  In this section:                (1)  "Disaster" has the meaning assigned by Section   418.004.                (2)  "Disaster area" means a county any part of which   is subject to:                      (A)  a disaster declaration issued by:                            (i)  the president of the United States   under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency   Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Section 5121 et seq.);                            (ii)  the governor under Section 418.014; or                            (iii)  the presiding officer of the   governing body of a political subdivision under Section 418.108; or                      (B)  an emergency evacuation order.                (3)  "Neutralize" means to:                      (A)  cause electronic interference in the   functioning of a device for the purpose of disabling the device and   may include jamming, hacking, and other similar methods; or                      (B)  physically capture a device for the purpose   of disabling the device.          (b)  The Department of Public Safety or the Texas Division of   Emergency Management may neutralize an unmanned aircraft operating   in a disaster area if:                (1)  the unmanned aircraft is being operated by a   person other than a governmental entity responding to the disaster;   and                (2)  the person does not have authorization from a   governmental entity to operate the unmanned aircraft in the   disaster area.          SECTION 12.  The heading to Subchapter CC, Chapter 481,   Government Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER CC. SMALL- AND MICRO-BUSINESS DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM          SECTION 13.  Section 481.451, Government Code, is amended by   amending Subdivisions (3), (4), (6), and (7) and adding Subdivision   (8) to read as follows:                (3)  "Default rate" means the percentage of small- and   micro-business disaster recovery loans made that did not meet the   payment terms during a period specified by the bank.                (4)  "Fund" means the small- and micro-business   recovery fund established under Section 481.452.                (6)  "Small- and micro-business [Micro-business]   disaster recovery loan" or "disaster recovery loan" means a loan   made by a participating community development financial   institution to small businesses or micro-businesses under the   program.                (7)  "Program" means the small- and micro-business   disaster recovery loan program established under this subchapter.                (8)  "Small business" means a corporation,   partnership, sole proprietorship, or other legal entity that:                      (A)  is domiciled in this state or has at least 51   percent of its employees located in this state;                      (B)  is formed to make a profit;                      (C)  is independently owned and operated; and                      (D)  employs more than 20 and fewer than 100   full-time employees.          SECTION 14.  The heading to Section 481.452, Government   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 481.452.  SMALL- AND MICRO-BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND.          SECTION 15.  Section 481.452(a), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  The small- and micro-business recovery fund is a   dedicated account in the general revenue fund.          SECTION 16.  The heading to Section 481.453, Government   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 481.453.  POWERS OF BANK IN ADMINISTERING SMALL- AND   MICRO-BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND.          SECTION 17.  Section 481.454(b), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The program shall expand access to capital for   qualifying small businesses and micro-businesses to create jobs in   this state and constitutes a capital access program under   Subchapter BB.          SECTION 18.  Section 481.455, Government Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 481.455.  PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The bank, under   the program, shall provide zero interest loans to eligible   community development financial institutions for purposes of   making interest-bearing loans to qualifying small businesses and   micro-businesses that have difficulty in accessing capital   following a declared disaster.          (a-1)  The bank may not provide loans to micro-businesses   under this chapter in an amount less than 50 percent of the total   amount of all loans provided under the program in a fiscal biennium.          (b)  A loan made by an eligible community development   financial institution under the program:                (1)  must be made to a small business or micro-business   that:                      (A)  is in good standing under the laws of this   state; [and]                      (B)  did not owe delinquent taxes to a taxing unit   of this state before the date of the initial issuance of the   disaster declaration;                      (C)  has suffered physical or economic injury as   the result of the event leading to the disaster declaration; and                      (D)  has paid in full any previous loan received   under this subchapter;                (2)  may not be made to a micro-business that:                      (A)  has total revenue that exceeds the amount for   which no franchise tax is due under Section 171.002(d)(2), Tax   Code;                      (B)  is a franchise;                      (C)  is a national chain with operations in this   state;                      (D)  is a lobbying firm; or                      (E)  is a private equity firm or backed by a   private equity firm;                (3)  may not have an interest rate higher than the   prevailing rate for a similar loan in this state; and                (4) [(3)]  must meet any other criteria provided by   this subchapter.          (c)  Payments on small- and micro-business disaster recovery   loans shall be made directly to the lending community development   financial institutions.          (d)  All income received on a loan made by a community   development financial institution participating in the program is   the property of the financial institution.  Income received on a   loan includes the payment of interest by a borrower small business   or micro-business and the administrative fees assessed by the   community development financial institution.          (e)  A community development financial institution   participating in the program shall make payments to the bank on the   zero interest loans borrowed by the financial institution under the   program quarterly, and the bank or this state is not responsible or   liable for any defaults in small- and micro-business disaster   recovery loans made by the community development financial   institution.          SECTION 19.  Subchapter CC, Chapter 481, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 481.4555 to read as follows:          Sec. 481.4555.  USES OF LOAN. An eligible small business or   micro-business may use a loan received under this subchapter to pay   the business's payroll costs, including costs related to the   continuation of health care benefits for the business's employees.          SECTION 20.  Section 481.457(a), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  A community development financial institution   participating in the program shall report quarterly to the bank:                (1)  the names of small businesses and micro-businesses   that have received a disaster recovery loan;                (2)  the current balance of all outstanding disaster   recovery loans;                (3)  the default rate on existing disaster recovery   loans; and                (4)  any other information the bank requires.          SECTION 21.  Section 489.107(c), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c)  For the small- and micro-business [small business]   disaster recovery loan program, the report must include a general   description of each small business and micro-business for which an   applicant was awarded a loan from the fund during the preceding   fiscal year.          SECTION 22.  Chapter 141, Health and Safety Code, is amended   by adding Section 141.0091 to read as follows:          Sec. 141.0091.  EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN. (a)  The   executive commissioner by rule may require a youth camp operator in   the emergency evacuation plan the operator develops for a youth   camp as required under Section 762.002 to:                 (1)  specify muster zones for campers and camp staff;                (2)  establish procedures to identify and account for   each camper affected by the emergency; and                 (3)  establish procedures to notify and communicate   with:                       (A)  local emergency management services,   including the emergency management director or emergency   management coordinator designated under Section 418.1015,   Government Code, by the political subdivision within which the camp   is located;                       (B)  camp administrative and medical services   staff; and                       (C)  the parents or legal guardians of each camper   identified under Subdivision (2).          (b)  Notwithstanding Section 141.0025, the department may   not grant a waiver from a requirement prescribed under this   section.          SECTION 23.  Subtitle A, Title 8, Health and Safety Code, is   amended by adding Chapter 675 to read as follows:   CHAPTER 675.  MASS FATALITY OPERATIONS          Sec. 675.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "department"   means the Department of State Health Services.          Sec. 675.002.  MASS FATALITY OPERATIONS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM.   (a) The department, in collaboration with the Texas Division of   Emergency Management, shall establish a mass fatality operations   rapid response team that immediately on the occurrence of a mass   fatality event assesses the geographic area where the event   occurred for the purpose of:                (1)  providing information regarding the mass fatality   event to public officials and employees who are conducting disaster   response or recovery operations, including justices of the peace,   emergency management directors and coordinators, and incident   commanders; and                (2)  facilitating early and appropriate activation of   mass fatality management resources.          (b)  The team required by Subsection (a) may be established   by interlocal contract.          Sec. 675.003.  INTEGRATION OF MASS FATALITY OPERATIONS   RESPONSE TEAM WITH SEARCH AND RESCUE OR RECOVERY OPERATIONS. Each   recognized search and rescue organization or recovery team, law   enforcement agency, fire department, including a volunteer fire   department, and emergency medical services provider shall   coordinate the efforts of the entity with the appropriate mass   fatality operations response team when deploying in response to a   mass fatality event for the purpose of ensuring coordination during   the recovery of human bodies and the use of proper documentation,   including chain-of-custody documentation.          Sec. 675.004.  INTEGRATION OF MASS FATALITY OPERATIONS   RESPONSE TEAM WITH FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS. (a) In this section,   "family assistance center" is a facility established by a state   agency or local government following a mass fatality event to   coordinate the provision of support services and basic assistance   to individuals impacted by the mass fatality event, especially   close relatives of a victim of the event.          (b)  A state agency or local government that establishes a   family assistance center following a mass fatality event shall   coordinate efforts to provide services at the center with the   appropriate mass fatality operations response team.          Sec. 675.005.  MASS FATALITY DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. (a)   The department shall develop and maintain a centralized fatality   tracking system for use when deploying a mass fatality operations   response team.          (b)  The system must be capable of:                (1)  assigning unique case number and incident tagging;                (2)  tracking the chain-of-custody for a body and   associated personal effects; and                (3)  storing in an easily retrievable manner   documentation of an autopsy and identification and release of a   body.          SECTION 24.  Subtitle A, Title 9, Health and Safety Code, is   amended by adding Chapter 762 to read as follows:   CHAPTER 762.  CAMPGROUND SAFETY          Sec. 762.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:                (1)  "Campground" means:                      (A)  a commercial property designed to provide   cabins for transient overnight guest use; or                      (B)  a recreational vehicle park, as defined by   Section 13.087, Water Code.                (2)  "Campground operator" means a person who owns,   operates, controls, or supervises a campground, regardless of   profit.                (3)  "Floodplain" means any area within a 100-year   floodplain identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency   under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section   4001 et seq.).                (4)  "Governmental entity" means this state or a state   agency or political subdivision of this state.          Sec. 762.002.  FLOODPLAIN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. (a)  The   campground operator of a campground located within a floodplain   shall:                (1)  install and maintain in each campground cabin   located within the floodplain an emergency ladder capable of   providing access to the cabin's roof; and                (2)  develop an emergency evacuation plan for   evacuating on issuance of a flash flood warning campground   occupants who are at a campground area within the floodplain.          (b)  A campground operator shall implement the emergency   evacuation plan developed under Subsection (a)(2) on issuance by   the National Weather Service of a flash flood warning for an area of   the campground.          (c)  A campground operator shall send a copy of an emergency   evacuation plan developed under Subsection (a)(2) to:                (1)  for a campground located in a municipality, the   emergency management coordinator designated under Section   418.1015, Government Code, for the municipality, or if a   coordinator has not been designated, the emergency management   director designated under that section for the municipality;                (2)  for a campground located in the unincorporated   area of a county, the emergency management coordinator designated   under Section 418.1015, Government Code, for the county, or if a   coordinator has not been designated, the emergency management   director designated under that section for the county; or                (3)  for a campground that is a youth camp, as defined   by Section 141.002, the department.          Sec. 762.003.  FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.  (a)  This section   does not apply to a campground owned or controlled by a governmental   entity.          (b)  A campground to which this chapter applies must comply   with the National Fire Protection Association 1194, Standard for   Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds, 2021 Edition, other   than Sections 1.1.1 and 5.1.1.1.          (c)  A governmental entity may adopt a policy, rule,   ordinance, or order to regulate environmental health and   sanitation, electrical distribution system safety, liquefied   petroleum gas storage and dispensing safety, or fire protection   only if the policy, rule, ordinance, or order does not impose   standards more stringent than the standards imposed under   Subsection (b).          SECTION 25.  Section 16.062(c), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c)  The board shall designate representatives from each   flood planning region to serve as the initial flood planning group.   The initial flood planning group may then designate additional   representatives to serve on the flood planning group. The initial   flood planning group shall designate additional representatives if   necessary to ensure adequate representation from the interests in   its region, including the public, counties, municipalities,   industries, agricultural interests, environmental interests, small   businesses, electric generating utilities, institutions of higher   education, river authorities, water districts, and water   utilities. The flood planning group shall maintain adequate   representation from those interests. In addition, the board, the   commission, the General Land Office, the Parks and Wildlife   Department, the Department of Agriculture, the State Soil and Water   Conservation Board, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management   each shall appoint a representative to serve as an ex officio member   of each flood planning group.   SECTION 26.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 1A(a), Chapter 5,   page 1062, Special Laws, Acts of the 46th Legislature, Regular   Session, 1939, or Section 8515.0104, Special District Local Laws   Code, as effective April 1, 2027, the Upper Guadalupe River   Authority is subject to a limited review under Chapter 325,   Government Code (Texas Sunset Act), during the period in which the   Sunset Advisory Commission reviews state agencies abolished in 2027   but may not be abolished under that chapter.  In response to the   Texas Hill Country floods of July 2025, the limited review must   assess the Upper Guadalupe River Authority's:                (1)  governance;                (2)  management, including disaster preparedness and   response;                (3)  operating structure; and                (4)  compliance with legislative requirements.          (b)  After the limited review described by Subsection (a) of   this section, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority shall be reviewed   as provided by Section 8515.0104, Special District Local Laws Code,   as effective April 1, 2027.          (c)  This section expires September 1, 2029.   SECTION 27.  (a) In this section, "work group" means the   statewide meteorological data monitoring work group established by   Subsection (b) of this section.          (b)  The statewide meteorological data monitoring work group   must include a representative of each of the following entities,   designated by the executive head of the entity:                (1)  the Texas Division of Emergency Management;                (2)  the Texas Department of Transportation;                (3)  the Texas Water Development Board;                (4)  Texas Tech University;                (5)  the Center for Water and the Environment at The   University of Texas at Austin;                (6)  the Water Engineering Research Center at The   University of Texas at Arlington;                (7)  the office of the state climatologist; and                (8)  the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and   Evacuation from Disasters Center at Rice University.          (c)  As needed, the work group may include representatives   from the National Weather Service and river authorities of this   state.          (d)  The work group shall develop a plan for implementing a   statewide system of flood gauges and other meteorological equipment   to provide real-time information to state and local entities to   inform emergency management decisions.          (e)  In developing the plan described by Subsection (d) of   this section, the work group shall:                (1)  incorporate existing mesoscale networks and other   meteorological equipment implemented by members of the work group   to create a single data hub through which state and local leaders,   institutions of higher education, and the general public may access   in real time statewide meteorological data;                (2)  identify areas of this state that lack adequate   coverage of flood gauges, weather radar, and other meteorological   equipment; and                (3)  identify projects, including project costs, that   address the inadequacies identified in Subdivision (2) of this   subsection.          (f)  Not later than December 1, 2026, the work group shall   submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the   house of representatives, and each appropriate standing committee   of the legislature a copy of the plan developed under this section.          (g)  This section expires December 1, 2027.          SECTION 28.  Subchapter EE, Chapter 481, Government Code, is   repealed.          SECTION 29.  A justice of the peace who holds office on the   effective date of this Act is not subject to removal as described by   Section 27.0055, Government Code, as added by this Act, for failure   to successfully complete the required training program until   December 1, 2026.          SECTION 30.  A person who, on the effective date of this Act,   is required to complete the training required by Section 418.005,   Government Code, as amended by this Act, shall complete that   training not later than the 180th day after the effective date of   this Act.          SECTION 31.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the Texas Division of Emergency Management shall adopt   the post-disaster after-action report form as required by Section   418.1103, Government Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 32.  Not later than May 1, 2026, the executive   commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall   adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 141.0091, Health and   Safety Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 33.  (a) Except as otherwise provided by this Act,   this Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the   legislative session.          (b)  Section 418.455, Government Code, as added by this Act,   takes effect January 1, 2027.