1. (a) In this section:

   1. (1) "Division" means the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
   2. (2) "Public information officer" means an individual who is employed or appointed by a state agency or local government entity and whose duties include communicating with the public during a disaster regarding the disaster.

2. (b) Each of the following entities shall employ or appoint a public information officer who must obtain certification in emergency communications from the division and complete continuing education on emergency communications as provided by Subchapter K, Chapter 418:

   1. (1) a municipal police department;
   2. (2) a sheriff's office;
   3. (3) a county constable's office;
   4. (4) a school district police department; and
   5. (5) the department.
3. (c) The chief administrative officer of an agency may be appointed or employed as a public information officer.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 361 (H.B. 33), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2025.