Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Statement on the Texas Senate’s Unanimous Passage of a Disaster Preparedness and Flood Relief Package



 

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon the Texas Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1, Natural Disaster Preparation and Recovery, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock; Senate Bill 2, Flood Emergency Communication and Warning, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston; and Senate Bill 3, Relief Funding for Hill Country, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:

“After the July 4th flooding across Texas, the Senate acted quickly to develop a comprehensive plan to improve disaster preparedness and recovery, upgrade outdoor warning systems and communications, and direct funding toward the Hill Country’s rebuilding efforts. This bipartisan package is a crucial step in helping communities recover from last month’s devastating events and in reducing the risk to human life in future disasters.

“The Texas Senate will continue passing these essential bills each legislative session until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation’ and get back to work for the people of Texas.”

Senate Bill 1, by Sen. Charles Perry, requires:

  • Youth camps located in 100-year floodplains to develop and carry out flood evacuation plans during flood warnings
  • The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to create a licensing program for emergency managers and ensure all emergency coordinators receive annual training
  • Local governments to conduct annual emergency drills under TDEM supervision
  • Local governments to submit an after-action report within 60 days following a disaster
  • A working group to be established to centralize meteorological data, recommend improvements to statewide weather coverage, and allow higher education institutions to join regional flood planning groups

Senate Bill 2, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt:

  • Directs the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to identify high-risk flood areas and require local governments to install outdoor warning sirens in those locations
  • Requires TWDB to establish rules for siren operation, standards for installation and maintenance, and requirements for backup power systems

Senate Bill 3, by Sen. Joan Huffman, provides:

  • $200 million to cover the projected 25% non-federal matching funds for FEMA reimbursement
  • $50 million for the purchase of sirens, rain gauges, and other equipment in the Central Texas flood region
  • $24 million to develop enhanced atmospheric measurement and modeling techniques
  • $20 million toward a new swift water training facility