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.
Join us September 30th - Special Fall Legislative Event!
With the next Legislative Session on the horizon, and issues that affect Emergency Services Districts at the forefront, we're hosting a Fall Legislative Event in September. This event will be focused on SAFE-D's upcoming legislative efforts and solidifying SAFE-D's Legislative Platform for the 90th Regular Session.
Join us at 10 AM on September 30, 2026 in Pflugerville 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 Courtyard by Marriott in Pflugerville, TX. More details will be forthcoming via email to those who RSVP.
Texas A&M's V.G. Young Institute has approved this event for 4 hours of ESD Commissioner continuing education.
Sign Up for SAFE-D Legislative Updates
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:
- Establish a first-ever, formal definition of “special district” in federal law
- 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.
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
FREE AI Training: Artificial Intelligence for Emergency Services District Operations
Texas Government Code Sections 2054.5191 and 2054.5193 require certain state and local government employees and officials* to complete a certified AI awareness training program by August 31. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), in consultation with the Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board, certifies eligible training programs to comply with this requirement.
SAFE-D is pleased to partner with EMSCyber360 to bring a FREE option to Emergency Services Districts. This course provides a practical introduction to artificial intelligence for Texas Emergency Services District commissioners, administrators, fire and EMS leaders, and operational personnel.
The training was specifically designed for ESD Commissioners, and is hosted and provided by EMSCyber360, independent of SAFE-D. It generally takes 30-45 minutes to complete, including registration and the assessment. The company has generously allowed SAFE-D to provide ESDs complimentary access to the course.
Register your ESD HERE to obtain the training link.
Once you register with us, you will receive a link in your confirmation to access the training through EMSCyber360. You will need to then register your ESD with EMSCyber 360 for the training, but only once. You can then share the training link with other personnel from your district.
*Employees and officials who have access to a local government computer or database and use a computer for at least 25% of their required duties.
BEWARE OF EMAIL SCAM
Apparently someone is sending out emails with a SAFE-D logo saying that a "SAFE-D License Update" is required and asking you to update your "SAFE-D license". The email subject is "Texas SAFE-D License Renewal". A different scam email is titled "2026 SAFE-D Information Verification" and is asking you to click to "confirm or update your information."
THESE EMAILS ARE NOT FROM SAFE-D. DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THEM. DO NOT LOGIN TO ANYTHING. DISREGARD THEM AS SPAM.
Please always check the email address that someone is sending from. If the sending email address doesn't seem like something related to SAFE-D or GCP Association Services (our management company), you're probably right to be suspicious.
PLEASE ALERT ANYONE WITH YOUR ESD THAT YOU FEEL MAY HAVE GOTTEN THESE EMAILS. If anyone claiming to be from SAFE-D ever asks you for your personal information or to expend funds, please feel free to verify with us by emailing admin@safe-d.org or calling 512-251-8101.
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.
You can download the 2026 ESD Annual Reports HERE. Personal information (such as emails/phone numbers) for Commissioners and ESD personnel have been removed. If you need specific contact information, please contact SAFE-D at admin@safe-d.org. Reports are current as of noon on July 6, 2026.
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
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.
SAFE-D 2027 Annual Conference
SUBMIT A PRESENTATION PROPOSAL FOR SAFE-D 2027
We want to hear your story. GO HERE to submit a proposal to present at the SAFE-D 2027 Annual Conference.
Save the date for SAFE-D's 25th Annual Conference at the Kalahari Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas, February 11-13, 2027.
Registration and hotel information will be available in the fall of 2026. When registration and hotels are open, the information will be posted in this space.
Please ignore any unofficial emails advertising hotel rates or information that do not come directly from SAFE-D.
We hope to see you there!
2026 On Demand Training
SAFE-D is proud to offer "on-demand training" for those interested in taking accredited ESD Commissioner Continuing Education at their own convenience. A full list of 2026 on-demand courses and registration information may be found 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.
