Texas Governor Says He’ll Introduce Flood Items at Special Session

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that flood-related legislation will be a priority during the upcoming Legislative Special Session beginning Monday.

Abbott added four flood preparedness items to the session agenda following flooding over the Fourth of July weekend that killed at least 135 people across the Lone Star State.

Newsweek has reached out to Abbott’s office via email on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

The devastating floods exposed critical gaps in Texas’s disaster preparedness infrastructure, particularly in the Hill Country region where many communities lack adequate warning systems.

Kerr County, which suffered the majority of casualties, does not have a flood warning system despite missed opportunities over the past decade to finance one. The legislative response could fundamentally reshape how Texas prepares for and responds to natural disasters, potentially saving lives in future extreme weather events.

President Donald Trump later announced on Truth Social that he had approved a “Major Disaster Declaration” for the deadly floods.

What To Know

The special session will address flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation and recovery.

Most deaths occurred along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, where the Hill Country’s dry, dirt-packed soil cannot absorb heavy rainfall. Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls, lost at least 27 campers and counselors in the flooding.

The state’s House and Senate have formed special committees on flooding and disaster preparedness, planning a July 31 visit to Kerrville to hear from residents. Texas state Representative Don McLaughlin, a Republican, has already introduced legislation requiring the state’s top public health official to set building standards for youth camps in 100-year floodplains. The committees will begin with a joint hearing Wednesday examining the state’s response, flood planning, infrastructure management, and first responder communications.

Abbott initially called the special session to address other issues, including THC product regulation and congressional redistricting at Trump’s request. The 30-day session now includes 17 total agenda items beyond the flood-related measures.

What People Are Saying

Texas Governor Greg Abott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: “Special session begins tomorrow. I included 4 items to address flood preparedness and recovery: Flood warning systems, Flood emergency communications, Relief funding, Natural disaster prep & recovery
We must ensure better preparation in the future.”

Dalton Rice, Kerrville City Manager, said in a statement: “We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three.”

Rice continued: “This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time.”

Rob Kelly, Kerr County Judge, said in a statement: “To every member of law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency management, and supporting agencies — thank you. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion have brought comfort and answers to so many.”

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.