Texas Governor Abbott Convenes Special Session on Flood Crisis, Redistricting

Governor Greg Abbott has officially called for a special legislative session set to begin on July 21, 2025, with a primary focus on enhancing Texas’s preparedness for natural disasters following recent devastating floods. The Governor’s proclamation, issued this week, outlines a comprehensive agenda aimed at improving the state’s resilience against future flooding events.

Key legislative items related to flood preparedness include strengthening early warning systems, improving emergency communications, allocating relief funding for storm response and recovery, and streamlining regulations to expedite disaster preparation and recovery efforts. This shift in focus comes as searches for flood victims continue, with Abbott emphasizing the need for robust systems to prevent future tragedies.

Beyond flood-related measures, the special session will also tackle several other critical issues. Lawmakers are expected to address congressional redistricting, a move that has drawn scrutiny from some Democrats who suggest it is politically motivated. Other priorities include proposals to eliminate the STAAR test, further reduce property taxes, and modify state abortion laws. Notably, regulating consumable hemp containing THC, previously a high-priority item, has taken a backseat amidst the urgent flood response.

The upcoming session is anticipated to be highly impactful, with the redistricting debate potentially influencing the balance of power in the U U.S. House of Representatives. Lawmakers, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows, have expressed readiness to address these pressing concerns, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has already proposed ideas like installing advanced siren systems in flood-prone areas.

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