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HB 309

Relating to the maintenance of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert radios by certain campgrounds, hotels, and recreational vehicle parks.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Wes Virdell

Texas bill requiring campgrounds, hotels, and RV parks to maintain functional NOAA weather alert radios to provide emergency warnings to guests.

Filed
#alertsystem(s0523) #disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #floods(s0327) #hotels&motels(s0171) #radio(s0252) #recreational&all-terrainvehicles(s0573) #recreational&culturalfacilities(s0286) #safety(i0740)
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Bill Summary · HB 309

Legislative bill overview

HB 309 requires certain campgrounds, hotels, and recreational vehicle parks in Texas to maintain functional NOAA weather alert radios on their premises. The bill establishes maintenance standards and operational requirements for these facilities to ensure guests receive timely severe weather warnings and emergency alerts.

Why is this important

Campgrounds, hotels, and RV parks house transient populations unfamiliar with local weather patterns and emergency procedures. Reliable NOAA weather radios can provide critical advance notice of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and other hazards, potentially saving lives in areas where residents may lack alternative warning systems or cell service.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs and liability: Facilities must determine who bears expenses for equipment purchase, maintenance, battery replacement, and potential liability if radios malfunction during emergencies
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "certain campgrounds, hotels, and RV parks" may be unclear—threshold requirements by size, occupancy, or location could significantly affect how many businesses are regulated
  • Enforcement mechanism: No clear detail on how compliance will be monitored, what penalties apply for non-compliance, or which agency oversees enforcement

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

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