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Bill

HB 61

Relating to the development of a statewide real-time emergency communications platform.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Texas bill mandates development of unified statewide emergency communications platform to improve real-time coordination between agencies during disasters.

Referred to Disaster Preparedness & Flooding
#citygovernment--general(i0060) #countygovernment--general(i0096) #disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #emergencymanagement #texasdivisionof(vp6fw) #health--emergencyservices&personnel(i0384) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #utilities--telecommunications(i0828)
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Bill Summary · HB 61

Legislative bill overview

HB 61 directs the state of Texas to develop and implement a statewide real-time emergency communications platform. This platform would enable coordinated, standardized communication across emergency response agencies, local governments, and potentially the public during disasters and emergencies. The bill essentially creates a mandate for a unified emergency alert and information system across Texas.

Why is this important

Emergency response effectiveness depends heavily on rapid, accurate information sharing between first responders, government agencies, and the public. Currently, Texas relies on fragmented systems—different counties and municipalities often use incompatible platforms, creating communication gaps during critical incidents. A statewide platform could reduce response times, prevent duplication of efforts, and ensure consistent public messaging during hurricanes, floods, active threats, and other emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: The bill doesn't specify who pays for development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of this platform, which could represent significant state expense or unfunded mandates on local governments
  • Data privacy and security concerns: A centralized emergency communications system creates cybersecurity risks and raises questions about data collection, storage, and who has access to sensitive location/personal information during emergencies
  • Standardization challenges: Forcing compatibility across existing municipal systems with different technologies, vendors, and legacy infrastructure could face resistance and require extensive coordination

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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