Austin, July 23, 2025
News Summary
Texas lawmakers are convening at the Capitol to discuss devastating floods that claimed over 100 lives during the Fourth of July weekend. The special hearing aims to create targeted legislation for flood prevention, emergency coordination, and disaster recovery funding. Two Select Committees will present proposals addressing early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and relief funding for affected communities. Additional hearings will be held in Kerrville for public engagement, highlighting the urgent need for effective legislative action in response to this tragic event.
Austin, Texas – Texas lawmakers are convening for a public hearing on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Texas Capitol to address the devastating flooding that resulted in the deaths of over 100 people in Central and South Texas during the Fourth of July weekend. The hearing is part of a special session designed to produce targeted legislation for flood prevention, emergency coordination, and disaster recovery funding.
Created in response to the tragedy, two newly established Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding will come together during this hearing, one in the House and one in the Senate. House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick initiated these committees in an effort to tackle the significant challenges highlighted by the floods.
The legislative session has a defined 30-day timeline, focusing on swift solutions to improve flood preparedness and response. Key topics for debate include early warning systems, statewide disaster coordination, and the allocation of funding for impacted communities.
Witnesses, including experts and representatives from various agencies, will present testimonies during the first hearing, which is invite-only. Future hearings will be held in Kerrville to allow local residents to voice their experiences and concerns directly to lawmakers. This initiative aims to engage the public in the legislative process, with Texas Representative Briscoe Cain indicating that multiple sessions will be scheduled in various locations.
Several specific legislative proposals have been introduced, including:
- Senate Bill 1: A comprehensive statewide disaster preparedness and coordination plan.
- Senate Bill 2: Enhancements to flood warning systems, inclusive of funds for sirens and improved communication strategies.
- Senate Bill 3: The allocation of state relief funds for communities affected by severe weather and assistance for local governments with FEMA matching requirements.
There is an urgency for legislative change, as many residents, including Kerr County residents Alden Towler and Kelsey White, have expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy and the need for answers and solutions. Lawmakers, including Representative Vikki Goodwin from Austin, have raised concerns over the state’s inconsistent track record in funding disaster prevention initiatives. A previous emergency alert system bill did not pass during the regular session earlier this year, increasing the pressure on lawmakers to take effective action during this special session.
Senator Cesar Blanco emphasized the necessity for timely measures regarding early warning systems and emergency coordination, indicating that this session represents a critical opportunity to address longstanding infrastructural concerns. Speaker Burrows and Lt. Governor Patrick have welcomed additional reform proposals during these hearings, which are expected to conclude by mid-August, underscoring the need for prompt legislative action.
Following the initial hearing scheduled for this Wednesday, more local hearings in Kerrville will be organized in the upcoming weeks to ensure robust community input is integrated into the legislative process.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the special session?
The special session aims to create targeted legislation for flood prevention, emergency coordination, and disaster recovery funding in response to catastrophic flooding in Texas that killed over 100 people.
When and where will the hearing take place?
The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas.
What key proposals are being considered for legislation?
Key proposals include a statewide disaster preparedness plan (Senate Bill 1), improvements for flood warning systems (Senate Bill 2), and allocation of state relief funding (Senate Bill 3) for communities affected by storms.
Key Features of Legislative Session
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Session Goal | Create targeted legislation for flood prevention and disaster response. |
| Timeline | 30-day special session ending in mid-August. |
| Main Proposals | Disaster preparedness plan, flood warning system improvements, allocation of relief funds. |
| Public Engagement | Multiple hearings planned in various locations, including Kerrville. |
| Critical Needs | Timely legislative action on early warning systems and coordination. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Lawmakers Address Flooding Aftermath and Preparedness
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Austin Firefighters Oppose Staffing Rollback Proposal
Texas Homeowners Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs
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Benefit Concert ‘Band Together Texas’ for Flood Relief
Severe Weather Impacts Millions Across the U.S. This Weekend
Star-Studded Benefit Concert for Flood Relief in Texas
Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum to Host Benefit Concert
Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: Texas Flood Legislation
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Flood Defence
- The New York Times
- Google News: Texas Disaster Response
- NBC DFW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disaster Relief
- WFAA
- Google Scholar: Disaster Management
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
