TX
Texas House Bill HB2891

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2891

Caption

Relating to establishment of the Texas Emergency Alert Management System (TEAMS).

Impact

The introduction of the TEAMS represents a significant shift in how emergency alerts are managed at the state level. By centralizing alert operations through the Department of Public Safety, the bill aims to enhance the response capability to emergencies and ensure more timely and coordinated communications to the public. The bill mandates collaboration among numerous state agencies, which should improve overall emergency preparedness and response across Texas. The intent behind this structure is to create a more unified front in public safety communications during crises.

Summary

House Bill 2891 establishes the Texas Emergency Alert Management System (TEAMS) aimed at coordinating public safety communications in the event of emergencies. The bill amends the Government Code, particularly Section 411, to assign responsibilities for the TEAMS to the Department of Public Safety. This new framework is meant to ensure that various Texas state agencies work together efficiently to disseminate alerts regarding imminent threats to public health or safety. The system will utilize the Federal Wireless Emergency Alert System to effectively reach citizens during critical incidents.

Contention

Though support for HB 2891 generally stems from concerns about improving emergency responses, there may be points of contention regarding the balancing of state and local authority in communication strategies. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the efficiency and reliability of a centralized alert system compared to local systems that may be more attuned to specific community needs. Further, the possibility of miscommunication or delays due to bureaucratic processes inherent in large-scale coordination could also be a topic of debate among lawmakers and community members. However, the overarching goal remains to bolster public safety readiness and improve real-time communication in emergencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3330

Relating to the establishment of a task force on the statewide alert systems for abducted children and missing persons with intellectual disabilities.

TX HB588

Relating to a statewide disaster alert system.

TX SB1589

Relating to a statewide disaster alert system.

TX SB40

Relating to the establishment of a boil water notice alert system.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB87

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.