The Texas Senate on Monday approved multiple measures aimed at flood response and preparedness, including a supplemental appropriations bill that passed final passage and separate measures to expand warning systems and disaster planning.

Senator Huffman, sponsor of Senate Bill 5, said the measure ‘‘includes $200,000,000 to cover projected 25% non‑federal matching funds for FEMA reimbursement, dollars $50,000,000 for the purchase of sirens, flood gauges, and other equipment in the Central Texas flood region … $24,000,000 to develop enhanced atmospheric measurement and modeling techniques … and $20,000,000 toward a new swift water training facility.’’ The Senate passed SB 5 to final passage by voice and roll calls recorded as 30 ayes, 0 nays.

Why it matters: The bills aim to move state money and authority quickly to communities hit by the July floods and to create local infrastructure — outdoor warning sirens and connected gauges — intended to give people in remote or low‑connectivity areas earlier notice of flash floods.

Most important actions and details
- Senate Bill 5 (supplemental appropriations): sponsor described a mix of capital purchases and a match fund for FEMA reimbursements drawn from the Economic Stabilization Fund (the state Rainy Day Fund). Motion for final passage carried; final passage recorded as 30 ayes, 0 nays.
- Senate Bill 3 (outdoor warning sirens): Senator Bettencourt described the bill as targeting ‘‘flash flood prone’’ areas, directing the Texas Water Development Board to identify areas and require municipalities or counties to install and maintain outdoor warning siren systems under board rules. Bettencourt said the capital estimate for sirens is $50,000,000 and noted an amendment narrowing coverage to flash‑flood prone areas and clarifying inclusion of sensors/gauges; SB 3 passed final passage 30 ayes, 0 nays.
- Senate Bill 2 (omnibus disaster preparedness): Senator Perry said SB 2 mirrors earlier special‑session language on disaster preparedness and recovery; the Senate passed SB 2 to final passage 30 ayes, 0 nays.

Supporting discussion and context
Senators repeatedly framed the measures as urgent responses following the July 4 weekend flooding in Central Texas and other watersheds. Bettencourt highlighted that some camp and RV park areas have limited cell connectivity and argued sirens are ‘‘old school technology’’ that would supplement phone alerts. He gave an example that a river surge traveling 17 miles per hour could have given approximately 24 minutes’ notice if an automated gauge and siren system had been in place near camps.

Opponents did not block passage; debate focused on technical details such as whether the Water Development Board or the Texas Military Department would operate training facilities, the precise geographic definitions (flash‑flood prone versus broader flood‑prone), and the scope of purchases covered by the appropriation.

Next steps and implementation
- The bills passed the Senate and will proceed through the remainder of the legislative process. SB 5 uses funds from the Economic Stabilization Fund; SB 3 assigns duties to the Texas Water Development Board and will require rulemaking and local coordination for installation, maintenance, and operation.
- Implementation tasks include grant/contract procurement for sirens and gauges, rule development at the Water Development Board, and coordination with municipalities and counties about who installs and maintains equipment.

Quotes
"This bill allocates critical funding from the Economic Stabilization Fund … provides us one‑time support for catastrophic flooding that struck in July," Senator Huffman said on SB 5.

"If we had had a gauge out there and an automated system that had given 24 minutes to get everyone to higher ground … that's what this siren should be saying," Senator Bettencourt said in support of SB 3.

Ending
The Senate approved the core flood response bills with bipartisan recorded votes. The measures direct state funds and regulatory activity toward early‑warning infrastructure and recovery support; deployment timelines and precise local responsibilities will depend on subsequent rulemaking and contracting.