Texas lawmakers head to flood-ravaged Kerrville this week for special session

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This week, Texas lawmakers will travel to Kerrville as part of a special legislative session focused on addressing the aftermath of the devastating July 4 floods, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. The special committees will hold a hearing in Kerrville on Thursday, allowing local residents to share their experiences and concerns. As of Monday, the floods had claimed 108 lives in Kerr County, with two individuals still missing, contributing to a statewide death toll of 136.

The special session, which began last week and will continue until August 19, aims to tackle various issues, including flooding-related legislation. Governor Greg Abbott has urged lawmakers to consider measures related to flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding, and disaster preparedness. Proposed initiatives include the installation of flood sirens, enhanced monitoring systems, and the establishment of a disaster preparedness council, alongside efforts to improve coordination between state and local authorities in response to future flooding events.