Texas, December 19, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has renewed several disaster proclamations addressing ongoing border security, drought, and flooding issues affecting different counties across Texas. He also announced new regulations affecting hemp businesses and a lawsuit against the FDA concerning abortion medication. These initiatives highlight Texas’ commitment to tackle these pressing challenges while ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents.
Border Security, Disaster Proclamations, and New Laws – Texas Evening Briefing December 18, 2025
Governor Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Proclamation
Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the Border Security Disaster Proclamation, extending the state of disaster for numerous Texas counties due to ongoing concerns over unlawful crossings along the Texas-Mexico border. This proclamation, initially issued on May 31, 2021, has been amended and renewed multiple times to address the persistent challenges posed by border security issues. The renewed proclamation continues to authorize the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions to cope with this disaster. The affected counties include Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Coleman, Colorado, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Schleicher, Shackelford, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Throckmorton, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Wilbarger, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala Counties. This action underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to addressing border security challenges and ensuring the safety and security of its residents.
Governor Abbott Amends and Renews Drought Disaster Proclamation
Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed the Drought Disaster Proclamation, declaring a state of disaster in several Texas counties due to exceptional drought conditions that continue to pose a threat of imminent disaster. The affected counties include Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Brooks, Burnet, Caldwell, Cameron, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Donley, Duval, Fayette, Foard, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Grayson, Guadalupe, Hall, Hardeman, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, Llano, Lubbock, Matagorda, McMullen, Medina, Midland, Nueces, Pecos, Presidio, Real, San Patricio, Terrell, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, and Zapata Counties. This proclamation authorizes the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions to cope with this disaster and suspends certain regulatory statutes to facilitate emergency response efforts. The ongoing drought conditions have led to increased wildfire danger and have significantly impacted agriculture and water resources across the state.
Governor Abbott Amends and Renews Flooding Disaster Proclamation
Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed the Flooding Disaster Proclamation, declaring a state of disaster in multiple Texas counties due to heavy rainfall and flooding that began on July 2, 2025, causing widespread and severe property damage, injury, and loss of life. The affected counties include Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Edwards, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, Menard, Real, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton, Tom Green, Travis, Uvalde, and Williamson Counties. This proclamation authorizes the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions to cope with this disaster and suspends certain regulatory statutes to facilitate emergency response efforts. The flooding has had a profound impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment, necessitating continued state intervention and support.
Texas and Florida Sue FDA Over Abortion Pill Approval
Texas and Florida have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion. The 120-page lawsuit, filed in federal court in Wichita Falls, Texas, claims that the FDA’s approval of mifepristone has “placed women and girls in harm’s way.” This legal action reflects ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding reproductive rights and the regulation of abortion-related medications in the United States.
Hemp Businesses Face New Rules in Texas Ahead of Federal Ban
As hemp businesses in Texas anticipate a federal ban next year, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is moving forward with regulatory rules. Through the spending bill Congress passed to open the government after the longest shutdown in history, lawmakers included a provision that redefined hemp, essentially banning consumable hemp products with intoxicating effects starting next year. This development has significant implications for the hemp industry in Texas, prompting businesses to adapt to the forthcoming regulatory changes and seek clarity on compliance requirements.
Key Dates for Shipping Holiday Gifts
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s crucial to be aware of key dates for shipping holiday gifts to ensure timely delivery. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has provided deadlines for various shipping options, including First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express. For instance, the deadline for First-Class Mail to arrive by Christmas Day is December 20, while Priority Mail Express has a deadline of December 23. These dates are essential for consumers planning to send gifts to loved ones across the country.
2025 Xbox Bowl
The inaugural 2025 Xbox Bowl was held on December 18, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The game featured Missouri State University against Arkansas State University. Arkansas State emerged victorious with a final score of 34-31. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors were awarded to Corey Rucker, a wide receiver for Arkansas State, and Kyle Taylor, a linebacker for the same team. The game was broadcast on ESPN2, with an attendance of 7,782 spectators. This event marked a significant addition to the college football postseason calendar, providing fans with an exciting new bowl game experience.
Decline in Texas’ Use of the Death Penalty
In 2025, Texas saw a continued decline in its use of the death penalty, with state judges setting the fewest execution dates in at least 30 years. Despite a national rise in executions—mainly due to an increase in Florida—Texas, along with Alabama and South Carolina, carried out five executions each, lagging behind Florida’s total. Once a leading state in capital punishment, especially under former Governor Rick Perry, Texas’ execution numbers have diminished significantly. Execution scheduling, handled at the county level, reflects local prosecutor decisions. Notably, Harris County, historically known for its high number of death penalties, issued two death sentences this year—the most since 2014. On average, those executed in 2025 had spent about 15 years on death row. The Death Penalty Information Center also highlights that people of color remain disproportionately represented on death row across the country.
Geminid Meteor Shower 2025 Thrills Skywatchers
The 2025 Geminid meteor shower delighted skywatchers with a vibrant celestial display during its peak on the night of December 13. Meteors blazed across the sky as particles from asteroid (3200) Phaethon burned up in Earth’s atmosphere. The annual event treated onlookers to shooting stars radiating from the constellation Gemini, near where Jupiter was visible throughout December. Astrophotographers around the world captured stunning images of these meteors passing through iconic sections of the night sky, including Orion, Taurus, the Pleiades cluster, and the Milky Way. This celestial event provided a spectacular end-of-year show for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
New Texas Laws Taking Effect This December
Several new Texas laws are taking effect this December, impacting various sectors including education, healthcare, and public spaces. Notably, House Bill 18 introduces additional penalties for lawmakers who break quorum to stop or delay legislation, addressing a tactic used in recent years to block bills. Another significant measure permits Texans to purchase Ivermectin over the counter, removing the prescription requirement. Additionally, Senate Bill 8 restricts transgender bathroom access in public buildings, limiting which bathrooms and private facilities transgender people can use inside public buildings, including schools, colleges, government offices, prisons, and jails, requiring use based on sex assigned at birth. These legislative changes reflect ongoing debates and policy shifts within the state.
Conclusion
As Texas continues to navigate a complex landscape of border security, natural disasters, and evolving legislative measures, the resilience of local entrepreneurs and the proactive responses of state authorities underline an enduring commitment to community welfare and economic growth. With new laws set to take effect, businesses and residents alike are encouraged to stay engaged and support local initiatives that foster innovation and prosperity in the Lone Star State.
FAQ
What did Governor Abbott renew regarding border security?
Governor Abbott has renewed the Border Security Disaster Proclamation, extending the state of disaster for numerous Texas counties due to ongoing concerns over unlawful crossings along the Texas-Mexico border.
What counties are affected by the drought disaster proclamation?
The affected counties include Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Brooks, Burnet, Caldwell, Cameron, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Donley, Duval, Fayette, Foard, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Grayson, Guadalupe, Hall, Hardeman, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, Llano, Lubbock, Matagorda, McMullen, Medina, Midland, Nueces, Pecos, Presidio, Real, San Patricio, Terrell, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, and Zapata Counties.
What recent legal action did Texas take regarding abortion medication?
Texas and Florida have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Border Security Proclamation | Renewed to address unlawful crossings along the Texas-Mexico border. |
| Drought Disaster Proclamation | Amended to declare a state of disaster due to exceptional drought conditions affecting numerous counties. |
| Flooding Disaster Proclamation | Amended to assist counties affected by severe flooding events since July 2025. |
| Lawsuit Against FDA | Filed by Texas and Florida concerning the approval of mifepristone for medication abortions. |
| New Laws | Several laws impacting public spaces, healthcare, and education, including the purchase of Ivermectin over the counter. |
| Hemp Regulation | New rules impacting Texas hemp businesses ahead of a federal ban on consumable hemp products. |
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