H.B. No. 2758
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to mandatory emergency alert systems at institutions of
  higher education.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter E, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 51.218 to read as follows:
         Sec. 51.218.  EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM. (a) In this section,
  "institution of higher education" and "private or independent
  institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by
  Section 61.003.
         (b)  Each institution of higher education and private or
  independent institution of higher education shall establish an
  emergency alert system for the institution's students and staff,
  including faculty. The emergency alert system must use e-mail or
  telephone notifications in addition to any other alert method the
  institution considers appropriate to provide timely notification
  of emergencies affecting the institution or its students and staff.
         (c)  At the time a student initially enrolls or registers for
  courses or a staff member begins employment, the institution shall:
               (1)  obtain a personal telephone number or e-mail
  address from the student or staff member to be used to notify the
  individual in the event of an emergency; and
               (2)  register the student or staff member in the
  institution's emergency alert system.
         (d)  A student or staff member may elect not to participate
  in an emergency alert system established under this section. An
  election under this subsection may be submitted electronically or
  in writing, as chosen by the institution, and must be renewed at the
  start of each academic year.
         (e)  The personal identifying information obtained from an
  individual for the purpose of the emergency alert system of an
  institution of higher education, including an e-mail address or
  telephone number, is confidential and not subject to disclosure
  under Section 552.021, Government Code.
         (f)  Each institution of higher education and private or
  independent institution of higher education shall implement the
  emergency alert system required by this section not later than the
  spring 2012 semester.  This subsection expires June 1, 2012.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2758 was passed by the House on May 3,
  2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 1, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2758 was passed by the Senate on May
  24, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0
  .
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor