AUSTIN (KXAN)– Texas legislative leaders announced Thursday the creation of joint select committees to examine disaster preparedness and flooding issues following the catastrophic July 4 floods in Central Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows will each appoint nine members to their chambers’ Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Fooding, which will work together during the upcoming special legislative session.
The committees will hold their first joint hearing July 23 at the state Capitol. A second hearing will take place the following week in Kerrville to allow residents to provide input.
The committees will examine four areas outlined in Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session call: flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation and recovery.
“Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas,” Patrick said in a statement. “In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers.”
Burrows emphasized the urgency of the 30-day special session, which begins July 21.
“With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count,” Burrows said. “This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities — and our children — from future disasters.”
The July 4 flooding killed dozens of people across Central Texas, with Kerr County suffering the heaviest losses. The disaster raised questions about warning systems and emergency preparedness in an area known for flash flood risks. The committees will address current recovery needs and work to prevent future flooding disasters along Texas rivers.
The special session will consider an 18-item agenda that prioritizes flood response measures alongside congressional redistricting, education reforms and other legislative priorities. Abbott announced the agenda Wednesday, with flood preparedness taking the first four spots on the call.