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Photo by Sheri Hemrick

Photo by Sheri Hemrick

Welcome to the

State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts

SAFE-D is the only organization dedicated to helping the men and women of Texas Emergency Services Districts
provide fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 10 million Texans.

Sign Up for SAFE-D Legislative Updates

Sign up for SAFE-D legislative updates by filing out this quick form to join the email list.
Go HERE for the official SAFE-D Legislative Platform for the 89th Session.

December "Third Tuesday" Legislative Event - Dec. 16

For those interested in getting more involved with SAFE-D's legislative program and legislation that affects Emergency Services Districts, we're going to hold another one of our "Third Tuesday" events during the interim time between legislative sessions. This event will be focused on a recap of the 2025 legislative session(s) as they affected ESDs, and also on turning the page towards SAFE-D's future legislative efforts.

Join us at 10 AM on December 16, 2025 in Bryan-College Station for this FREE event. RSVP is required so go HERE to let us know you're interested. The event will be be from 10 AM to 2 PM at The Stella Hotel in Bryan. More details will be forthcoming via email to those who RSVP.

Federal Legislation Update - H.R.2766 introduced in the U.S. House

Federal law currently lacks a clear definition of “special district,” creating unnecessary barriers to federal resources, emergency funding, and essential grants. Since 2020, the National Special Districts Association (NSDA) has led efforts to establish a federal definition. This work has resulted in proposed legislation to amend U.S. Code Title 13, ensuring that special districts are formally recognized and equitably included in federal programs.

Special thanks to Texas' own Congressman Pat Fallon for introducing H.R. 2766 - the Special District fairness and Accessibility Act

This legislation aims to:

  1. Establish a first-ever, formal definition of “special district” in federal law
  2. Direct OMB to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations. Federal agencies would have one year to implement OMB’s guidance.

A formal definition of “special district” would foster consistency and enhance special districts’ access to a number of federal programs. Moreover, having a formal definition of special district codified in law would help facilitate the inclusion of special districts in future legislative proposals on Capitol Hill.

More information on the bill can be can be found HERE and  HERE.

File Your 2026 State-Required ESD Report

State law (Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 775.083) requires Emergency Services Districts to file a report with the Texas Division of Emergency Management on or before January 1 of each year.

Through an agreement with TDEM, you can file your ESD's January 1, 2026 report through SAFE-D.

FILE YOUR ESD'S 2026 REPORT HERE.

Please be sure to coordinate to make sure you only file one report for your Emergency Services District.

ESD Websites

Senate Bill 2, passed in 2019, requires Texas ESDs to maintain websites and specifies information that must be available to the public. Here's a link to statutory requirements for local government websites, including ESDs.

Here is a link to Texas ESD websites.

To have your ESD's website added to this list, email admin@safe-d.org.

SAFE-D Video: How to Create an ESD

More areas across Texas are considering creating an emergency services district to provide reliable funding for fire protection or emergency medical services.

SAFE-D has created a short, free video with steps required to create an ESD.

SAFE-D encourages residents who are considering an ESD to consult with an attorney experienced in local government matters to assist in the process.

We welcome your questions at admin@safe-d.org

FAQs About ESDs

Learn more about ESDs - grassroots governments that provide fire protection or emergency medical services at a fraction of the costs of municipal fire departments.

Learn More

ESD Tax Rate Setting Hub

SAFE-D has created a page with resources for ESDs looking for guidance in setting their Ad Valorem Tax Rate. Go HERE to find a recording of the recent ESD Tax Rate Process webcast, links to Comptroller forms, rate setting timelines, and more.

As always, be sure to check with your own counsel should you have the need for legal advice

SB8 EMS Personnel Scholarships

The Texas Legislature has set aside funds to educate and train EMS personnel. Scholarships are available based on documented need, with special attention given to rural and underserved areas within the state. Courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid.

Go HERE to find out more

SAFE-D 2026 Annual Conference

SAFE-D's 24th Annual Conference will be held at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, January 29-31, 2026.

Conference Registration is NOW OPEN. REGISTER HERE.

There is no official Conference Host Hotel, but SAFE-D has made arrangements for room blocks at several hotels near the Convention Center. HOTEL ROOM BLOCK INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN YOUR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

There are emails going around trying to advertise hotel room bookings through outside organizations. THOSE EMAILS ARE NOT LEGITIMATE AND ARE NOT CONNECTED TO SAFE-D. Anything about the Conference will come directly from us.

Interested in exhibiting or being a conference sponsor? See the Exhibitor Prospectus for more information.

We hope to see you there!

2025 On Demand Training

Looking to get state-required ESD Commissioner training hours on your schedule? SAFE-D has multiple ON-DEMAND training options. GO HERE for more information.

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NEW: Fall 2025 Newsletter Available

An electronic version of the SAFE-D Members-Only Newsletter for Fall 2025 (above) is available in the Member Center.

Want to advertise in the SAFE-D Pen?

The SAFE-D Pen is the official newsletter of the State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts and is mailed out to members.

Click here for more information.

Report: ESDs do more than municipalities for less taxpayer money

In a September 2022 report, noted economist Dr. Ray Perryman finds that ESDs provide emergency services for dramatically less than municipalities -- at one-third to one-half the costs.

Read the report here!

Want to know about ESDs?

If you have questions about Texas ESDs or would like some general information, let SAFE-D know!

Click here.

Video Library

Access recordings of SAFE-D webcasts by clicking to https://www.safe-d.org/video-library/.

This content is only available to members through the Member Center.

Thanks to these generous sponsors of SAFE-D's 2026 Annual Conference

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

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Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

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Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Clicktunity LLC

FGM Architects

 

 

Bronze Sponsors

1st Response Clinic

Joiner Architects
AG|CM

MX4 Texas Enterprises
BRW Architects

Radcliffe Adams Barner

CORE

Stellar Bank

Emergicon/EmergiFire

Texas CLASS

HEAT Safety Equipment

WHP Trainingtowers

Hoefer Welker

ZacTax