Texas House Approves Flood Sirens Bill After Deadly Hill Country Floods

In response to the deadly July 4th Hill Country floods in Texas that claimed at least 137 lives, the Texas House has overwhelmingly advanced Senate Bill 3, which would require municipalities in flood-prone areas to install outdoor flood warning sirens. The Texas Water Development Board would be responsible for identifying these high-risk areas and administering a grant program to support local governments in funding the sirens, with a $50 million fund available. The bill mandates regular testing and documentation of the warning systems and exempts areas that already have state-approved sirens. The legislation passed the House unanimously and includes an amendment allowing the governor’s office to provide funding for siren installation, sending the bill back to the Senate for approval before heading to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of reliable, proven technology like sirens, especially in rural communities where mobile phone coverage can be unreliable, such as youth and RV camps. These measures are part of a broader legislative effort ordered by Governor Abbott to improve emergency preparedness following the catastrophic floods.