Following July’s catastrophic flooding that killed over 130 Texans — including 119 in Kerr County — Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that lawmakers would prioritize flood-related reforms during the state’s special session. Originally meant to tackle THC regulation and congressional redistricting, the session’s focus pivoted sharply toward disaster preparedness.

Political Disputes Slow Progress

Despite the urgency, partisan battles over redistricting, including a quorum break by House Democrats, consumed much of the Legislature’s attention. Still, by the close of the second special session, lawmakers passed a package of bills aimed at strengthening flood preparedness, emergency planning, and camp safety.

Safety Overhaul for Texas Camps

House Bill 1: Emergency Plans for Overnight Camps

In response to the deaths of nearly 40 children at Hill Country camps, HB 1 requires every overnight youth camp to draft a written emergency plan approved by the governor’s office. Camps must train staff and campers in disaster protocols, and plans found lacking must be fixed within 90 days.

Senate Bill 1: Floodplain Restrictions & Alerts

SB 1 extends safety requirements to campgrounds, RV parks, and flood-prone areas. It bans construction of new cabins in floodplains without meeting strict safety standards. Parents must be informed — and sign consent forms — if cabins already sit in risky zones. Camps must also install disaster alert systems, such as weather radios and PA systems.

Concerns Over Economic Burden

Some lawmakers warned that the new rules could force long-running camps to close. Rep. Wes Virdell of Kerrville argued that the legislation’s costs might jeopardize a century-old tradition of Texas youth camping.

Expanding Flood Warnings

Senate Bill 3: Sirens for High-Risk Areas

To improve early warnings, SB 3 creates a $50 million grant program for installing flood sirens in vulnerable areas. Sponsored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the bill directs the Texas Water Development Board to identify high-risk flood zones where sirens will be prioritized.

Strengthening Infrastructure

Senate Bill 18: Easier Dam Maintenance

This legislation allows local governments to repair and maintain flood-control dams without obtaining state water permits. Supporters argue the measure will speed up critical work, preventing dam failures, erosion, and additional flooding.

Funding for Flood Recovery

Senate Bill 5: Targeted Relief Funds

SB 5 establishes three funding pools to aid flood response:

• $200 million to match federal disaster funds and cover statewide needs.
• $50 million for flood siren grants.
• $28 million for advanced weather modeling and forecasting technology.

Protecting Texans From Scams

House Bill 20: Disaster Scam Response Act

Recognizing the rise of fraud after natural disasters, HB 20 creates a voluntary accreditation program for nonprofits engaged in relief efforts. Accredited groups will receive official seals of legitimacy from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.The law also establishes new criminal penalties for malicious solicitation and for impersonating relief volunteers, with punishments ranging from jail time to long prison sentences depending on severity.

Despite political infighting, Texas lawmakers approved significant reforms after the deadly floods — from camp safety standards and flood warning sirens to improved dam maintenance, disaster funding, and scam protections. These measures now await Gov. Abbott’s signature to become law.