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2mo ago

Texas Flood-Response Bills Progress in Committee as Redistricting Standoff Blocks Full House Vote

A redistricting boycott has left disaster-relief legislation pending despite committee progress

The remains of the Blue Oak RV Park where the parking spaces for the recreational vehicles can be seen near the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds
An RV belonging to Thomas Rux, a resident of Riverside RV Park, that was swept away by flood waters in Ingram on Friday July 4, 2025. Rux was awoken by thunder and rain and then told to evacuate by the fire department late in the night, moments before his RV was swept away by the aggressive flood waters. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds.
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The exit of Blue Oak RV park in Ingram on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds.

Overview

  • Relief and cleanup operations continue in Kerr County, where 108 people died and two remain missing, as memorials honoring victims grow.
  • The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has raised more than $100 million to fund housing repairs, mental health programs and business recovery efforts.
  • A House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness has held hearings on bills requiring licensed emergency management coordinators, flood-disaster plans for campgrounds and a Texas Interoperability Council to bolster communications.
  • House Democrats’ redistricting boycott has prevented a quorum on the floor, blocking votes on flood-response and relief measures.
  • Survivors and local leaders are calling for outdoor warning sirens and improved interoperability after CodeRed alerts were delayed by nearly 40 minutes during the July 4 flood.