Senate adopts natural-disaster package: SB1 (preparedness), SB2 (sirens), SB3 (funding) and SB43 (dam permits) move forward

The Senate on Wednesday approved a cluster of bills designed to respond to and reduce the risk of future flood disasters: Committee Substitute SB 1 (disaster preparedness and response), SB 2 (outdoor warning sirens in flood-prone areas), SB 3 (supplemental appropriations for disaster relief) and SB 43 (permit exemptions for certain small flood-control reservoirs).

Senator Charles Perry, sponsor of SB 1, described the bill as an omnibus legislative response to recent catastrophic flooding: "SB 1 is the primary product of the work performed in the last few weeks," he told the Senate, summarizing regional hearings and field visits that produced policy ideas ranging from campground safety to statewide data hubs for flood gauges.

Why it matters: senators said the measures aim to prevent future loss of life and improve local coordination when flash flooding or other natural disasters strike. Testimony in Kerrville and other regional hearings—where survivors and local officials described rapidly rising water—prompted the package.

SB 1: preparedness, drills, volunteers and coordination Senator Perry said SB 1 addresses campground safety, evacuation requirements for structures in 100-year floodplains (including rooftop egress where needed), lines of succession for emergency-management responsibilities, annual drills under Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)…