Texas lawmakers have just 30 days to take on a list of controversial and complex issues which include flooding recovery and preparedness.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers are back in Austin for a special session, and they have just 30 days to tackle a list of controversial and complex issues, including flooding recovery and preparedness. But analysts say the clock — and the politics — will be working against them.
Devastating flooding over the Fourth of July weekend prompted evacuations across parts of Central Texas — and now flood prevention is taking center stage this session.
“We thought THC would be front and center, and really the flooding has taken that spot over,” said Sam Houston State University Political Science Professor Mike Yawn. “And it is clearly the top priority both politically and in terms of, just a policy priority.”
Here’s what lawmakers are looking at:
- Flood warning systems: Improve early alerts and preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas.
- Emergency communications: Strengthen communication networks during major storm events.
- Hill Country flood relief funding: Support jurisdictions impacted by the July 2025 floods, including FEMA match funding.
- Natural disaster regulation reform: Streamline policies to accelerate recovery timelines.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants new warning sirens installed along the Guadalupe River, saying phone alerts aren’t enough in low-lying, high-risk zones. Gov. Greg Abbott added the proposal to the agenda, but experts point out that flood prevention takes time, money, and careful planning.
“You have the communication system. How do you get that accurate information out to the affected parties — and that includes state and local governments? But then how do the state and local governments get the word out to the people who are potentially in harm’s way?” said Yawn. “And then what’s the most effective method of that delivery? And then you have the question of, you know, if there is an alarm, what do you do about it? Do you evacuate? And how do you do that as safely as possible?”
Professor Yawn says the stakes are high, and bad policy — even if well-intentioned — could do more harm than good. The challenge for lawmakers is to get this right and get it done within the 30 days.
“One of the items on the special session is something that will streamline some of the regulations for recovering from disasters. So, I think that is something that will probably put a priority on, in the hopes of making it easier for recovery for this specific disaster,” said Yawn. “And that is probably appropriate and something that can be done in this case. I think for the larger issue of: Is this caused by climate change? What’s the most effective way to do this? What’s the most effective way to make this consistent in rural counties and in major metropolitan areas? That’s going to be something that we tackle, and then reassess, and then try again — and hopefully we eventually get it right.”