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HB 147

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

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Texas HB 147 mandates development of unified statewide real-time emergency communications platform to improve coordination between emergency responders and agencies.

Filed
#citygovernment--general(i0060) #countygovernment--general(i0096) #disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #emergencymanagement #texasdivisionof(vp6fw) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #health--emergencyservices&personnel(i0384) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HB 147

Legislative bill overview

HB 147 directs the state of Texas to develop and implement a statewide real-time emergency communications platform. The bill aims to create a unified system for emergency responders and relevant agencies to share critical information during crises. This represents an effort to modernize Texas's fragmented emergency response infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions.

Why is this important

Emergency response effectiveness depends heavily on rapid, accurate information sharing between police, fire, medical, and other agencies. Current systems often operate in silos, leading to communication delays, duplicated efforts, and potentially compromised public safety outcomes. A statewide platform could significantly improve coordination during natural disasters, mass casualty events, and other emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing response times.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear—developing, implementing, and maintaining a statewide system requires substantial investment, and it's uncertain whether the bill includes adequate appropriations or identifies funding sources
  • Data privacy and security: Centralizing real-time emergency data raises cybersecurity concerns and questions about who accesses sensitive information, data retention, and protection against breaches or misuse
  • Local government compliance: Smaller municipalities and rural counties may lack technical capacity or resources to integrate into the platform, potentially creating equity issues and implementation challenges across the state

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

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