What has been proposed at the Texas special legislative session on flooding crisis
Texas lawmakers gathered this week for a special legislative session to discuss emergency procedures and early warning systems following the deadly July 4 flash floods.
Gov. Greg Abbott called the special session in the wake of the flooding, which killed more than 130 people in Hill Country.
"We must ensure better preparation in the future," Abbott said in a statement.
House Bill 165, filed on Tuesday, aims to create a model guide for local officials to follow regarding disaster response and recovery. Aspects of response such as contracting for debris removal; obtaining federal disaster funding; determining availability and construction of short-term and long-term housing and obtaining assistance from volunteer organizations were addressed in the bill.
The session began Monday with a call to order, followed by a prayer led by Texas Department of Public Safety Major Ron Joy, in which he asked for "grace and mercy" for the victims of the devastating flooding.
"Give comfort for those grieving and mourning the loss," Joy said. "Provide strength for those families still waiting on an answer. Restore those who have lost so much your hand of protection for the first responders and volunteers conducting the search and recovery missions and give wisdom to our leaders to help prepare for future disasters."
The special session is intended to address preparedness and recovery in the event of future flooding, Abbott said on Sunday. It will look at flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding and natural disaster preparations and recovery.
In addition, legislation to provide relief funding to those recovering from the storms will be discussed, according to a proclamation by Abbott, which was read by a clerk during the legislative session.
The deadly flooding over the Fourth of July weekend killed at least 135 people, including dozens of girls at Camp Mystic, along the Guadalupe River, according to officials. Several people are still missing.
The special legislative session is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday and expected to last for 30 days.
The session will also address a congressional redistricting plan, which could create more seats for Republicans, as well as a second attempt at regulating THC, the psychoactive compound found marijuana.
