84R14434 SCL-F
By: Garcia S.B. No. 1787
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an alert system for notification of the release of toxic
chemicals by a manufacturing facility.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 505, Health and Safety
Code, is amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 505. MANUFACTURING FACILITY COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT;
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ACT
SECTION 2. Section 505.001, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 505.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
Manufacturing Facility Community Right-To-Know Act and Emergency
Notification Act.
SECTION 3. The heading to Section 505.017, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 505.017. NOTICE ISSUED UNDER EMERGENCIES; ALERT
SYSTEM.
SECTION 4. Section 505.017, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:
(c) If the responsible state agency determines that a
release will substantially endanger human health, the agency shall
immediately notify persons in the area in which the facility is
located of the release using the alert system established under
Subsection (d).
(d) The state emergency response commission shall develop
and maintain an alert system to notify persons in the area in which
the facility is located of a release that will substantially
endanger human health. The notification must be provided through
reverse 9-1-1 calls, text messages, e-mails, social media, and
other instant messaging systems. The commission may partner with
other state agencies in developing the alert system and shall allow
persons to register for a preferred method of receiving a message
under the alert system. An alert issued by the system must include:
(1) each area affected by the release;
(2) a link to an Internet website or other message
system that has updated information on each affected area;
(3) the chemicals involved in and toxicity of the
release;
(4) the projected movement of the release; and
(5) instructions for protection from exposure to the
release.
SECTION 5. Not later than September 1, 2016, the state
emergency response commission shall establish the alert system as
required by Section 505.017, Health and Safety Code, as amended by
this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.