Texas Task Force on Concert Safety Holds Fourth Meeting

Gov. Greg Abbott’s Texas Task Force on Concert Safety held its fourth meeting and second in-person meeting this week in Bryan. Hosted by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), public safety and industry experts as well as expert contributors and local authorities met to discuss best practices for concert safety. The task force held its previous meeting at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington last week.

The meeting included presentations by Texas Music Office director Brendon Anthony, TEEX director David Coatney and TNT Security Solutions’ CEO Travis Lacox. Following the presentations, the task force had a discussion that examined the need for a consistent mass gathering permit for Texas’ 254 counties and the viability of a universal document. The task force decided that a designated member will speak to county judges this week about potential changes to current mass gathering permit systems. Additionally, the task force drew up a working set of reference texts that cover all aspects of public safety and best practices that apply to specific circumstances related to mass gatherings and concerts. The task force also discussed best practices for concert safety in a variety of situations and settings, including rural and urban settings. Finally, the task force continued developing recommendations related to guidance, education, outreach and potential statutory changes.

Abbott launched the task force on November 10 in response to the tragedy at Astroworld Festival in Houston that killed 10 concertgoers and injured more than 300.