Wildfire preparation bill wins preliminary approval in Texas House
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The Texas House gave preliminary approval to legislation that aims to better prepare the state for wildfires. The bill is one of several measures filed after the 2024 Panhandle wildfires, which burned more than one million acres.
Senate Bill 34 would create a database of firefighting equipment that is available for use in responding to wildfires. The goal is to have a better idea of what resources are available during emergencies. The Texas A&M Forest Service would create and maintain the database.
The legislation also calls for appointing an Interoperability Council to develop a strategic plan to improve 'emergency communication equipment interoperability betwen local, state, and federal agencies.'
The proposal comes after a Texas House of Representatives report on the handling of the 2024 Panhandle wildfires. The report said 'although volunteer firefighters fought valiantly to contain the wildfires, response efforts were inhibited by a lack of properly positioned, readily available, and timely dispatched air support on top of ineffective communication and coordination among agencies, local governments, and responders due in part communications equipment that lacked interoperability.'
The fiscal note for SB 34 does not include funding for equipment. But at a hearing in March, State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, noted that the Senate Finance Committee dedicated $192 million to bolster the state's firefighting equipment.
The bill passed on second reading Tuesday afternoon. House lawmakers will likely schedule a third reading vote for Wednesday. If approved, SB 34 would then head to the governor for consideration.
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