Skip to content

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Texas Special District Leadership Forum July 22-23, 2025

National Special District Association and key Special District Partners host the Leadership Forum on pressing topics facing special districts, in Austin, Texas at the ALoft Austin Hotel, Southwest July 22-23, 2025.

Open to special district managers, directors, chiefs, and administrators, this exclusive regional forum will address critical governance, leadership, and management issues. With speakers from the Texas Special Districts Coalition, PTMA, Applied Leadership, Paragon Government Relations, and Streamline, this forum provides an opportunity to learn from others in the special district world, connect with peers, hear from experts in organizational leadership, learn about collaboration in Texas among special districts, and stay ahead of industry trends. iamGIS and Govdeals will also be onsite to share their latest services for special districts.

REGISTER HERE. (Note: This event is NOT accredited for ESD Commissioner training hours.)

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.

Special Legislative Panel Calls for More Money for VFDs

The special House Committee investigating the massive Panhandle wildfire this year has issued its report, calling for more 2604 funds and better coordination between local firefighters and state assets.
Read the report in SAFE-D's Member Center. Log in under the Member Tab above.

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!

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

Want to know about ESDs?

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

Click here.

File Your 2025 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 by January 1 of each year.

Through an agreement with TDEM, you can file your ESD's January 1, 2025 report through SAFE-D.

USE THIS LINK TO FILE YOUR ESD's 2025 REPORT

For a link to the currently filed 2025 reports, go here: www.safe-d.org/esdreports25.

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

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

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. Gonzáles Convention Center in San Antonio, January 29-31, 2026.

HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN NOVEMBER 2025. 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.

We hope to see you there!

SAFED4Q24cover

NEW: Winter 24-25 Newsletter Available

An electronic version of the SAFE-D Members-Only Newsletter for Winter 2024-25 (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.

Video Library

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

Coming Soon: This content will only be available to members through the soon-to-be-released Member Center.

Thanks to these generous sponsors of SAFE-D's 2025 Annual Conference

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Clicktunity LLC

FGM Architects

Radcliffe Adams Barner PLLC

Southwest Ambulance Sales, LLC

Streamline

 

 

Bronze Sponsors

AG|CM

Joiner Architects

Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, Inc.

Michael Rainey and Associates

Butler-Cohen

SLI Group, Inc.

Casco Industries

Stellar Bank

Emergicon/EmergiFire

Texas CLASS

Front Line
Mobile Health

Texas EMS School

Hoefer Welker