This summer, our Hill Country neighbors endured devastating loss during the July 4th floods. A stark reminder of how quickly disasters can strike in Central Texas. As your state representative, I worked alongside local elected officials and community leaders to help ensure that Williamson County is prepared, protected, and resilient.
In this year’s special legislative session, I served on the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, in tandem with community leaders, our county’s experienced emergency management team, and state and local agencies. Together, the committee traveled to the impacted areas to hear first-hand the concerns of residents and pressed for solutions that reflect the real challenges families face. While there is still much work ahead, groundbreaking legislation has already been advanced to strengthen our preparedness and give us a foundation to build upon for the sessions to come.
From the San Gabriel River winding through Georgetown to the open Hill Country skies, history reminds us how our landscape brings both beauty and risk. In 1921, a catastrophic flood claimed 93 lives in Williamson County. The tragic loss of life ultimately led the US Army Corps of Engineers to place dams along the river, creating what we now know as Lake Georgetown.
Even with these protections, flooding has continued to test our community. In 2010, the San Gabriel River surged past the "100-year flood" marker. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 brought indirect, but costly impacts. This past July heavy rain swelled the river again, forcing evacuations and sparking large-scale search and rescue operations. Drone footage of flipped RVs and debris reminded us how quickly disasters can deconstruct daily life.
Tornadoes, while less frequent inside Georgetown’s city limits, are never far from us, with a March 2022 tornado damaging over a thousand homes in Round Rock and Granger. These events remind us of a truth every Texan knows: storms are part of life here. The real question is not whether they will come, but how well prepared we are when they do.
Over the past year, Texas has taken important steps to strengthen preparedness. One of the most visible changes will be the expansion of outdoor warning sirens in areas prone to flooding. Through Senate Bill 3, which I carried in the House, I worked with the Texas Water Development Board and local emergency management leaders to make sure families receive prompt alerts. A few extra minutes of warning can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
There is also a growing need to address waterway setbacks. Smarter planning along streams reduces the risk of repeat flooding, helps stabilize insurance rates, and protects long-term property values. In Texas, growth is inevitable, but resilience is built by the choices we make along the way.
Beyond infrastructure, I co-authored House Bill 1 to strengthen emergency plans at youth camps and supported House Bill 20 to prevent fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters. Together, these measures create a comprehensive approach that improves warnings, safeguards infrastructure, and protects families and donors alike.
Severe storms in Central Texas often arrive without much notice. They strike at night while families are asleep or during the school day when children are most vulnerable. That urgency is why Senate Bill 3 became a top priority for me this year.
The law requires outdoor warning sirens in flash flood-prone areas designated by the Texas Water Development Board. I carried this bill in the House and worked closely with the TWDB and local emergency managers to ensure its passage. Sirens may seem like old-school technology, but they remain one of the most reliable tools during an emergency. Senate Bill 5 appropriated $50 million in state funding to cover the cost of the new systems.
Cell networks can fail, and text alerts can arrive too late, but when a siren sounds, everyone hears it. These siren systems connect to National Weather Service sensors for real time alerts which will provide reliable early warning to keep the community protected.
Preparedness is not only about laws and regulations, but also about using the best tools available to stay ahead of disaster. Williamson County has embraced innovation, and I have worked to ensure our state's policies reinforce that forward-thinking approach.
One area of progress is GIS flood mapping. With high-resolution data and real-time modeling, coupled with redundant sensor technology, emergency managers can predict where floodwater will rise and how quickly it will move. This allows first responders to stage equipment, target evacuations, and protect vulnerable neighborhoods before it is too late. Proactive planning like this saves both lives and property.
These innovations put Texas on par with the best state and national models. In conversations with Bruce Clements, Williamson County’s Emergency Management Director, he emphasized the importance of aligning technology, training, and communication across every level of government. That input directly shaped our policy proposals, from youth camp emergency planning to defining licensing practices for emergency managers.
By combining cutting-edge tools with strong partnerships, we can ensure that our state stands ready to not only withstand the next storm, but to serve as a model for the rest of the state to follow.
Lasting preparedness requires more than an on-the-ground response; it takes a framework of funding, infrastructure, and coordination at the state level. Several measures passed this special session built on that foundation, giving local leaders the resources to succeed. Several measures advanced this session reflect that commitment.
House Bill 1 requires stronger emergency plans at youth camps, giving parents confidence that their children will be protected if a disaster occurs. Senate Bill 1 builds on that effort by adding safety requirements for campgrounds and other facilities where families gather.
House Bill 20 addresses another risk that often emerges after disaster: fraudulent charitable solicitations. When Texans open their hearts and wallets to help, those donations must go to real relief efforts, not scams. This law increases penalties for fraud and creates new tools to safeguard legitimate nonprofits.
Property owners may see insurance stabilize because of stronger flood planning. Parents sending children to camp can trust that safety is a priority. Donors after a storm can give with confidence that their contributions will reach neighbors in need.
Policy may sometimes feel abstract, but the goal behind each of these laws is simple. The focus is on protecting families, safeguarding property, and strengthening public trust in the systems that support us when it matters most.
Severe weather will always be part of life, but we do not have to be caught off guard. With the right planning, clear communication, and a commitment to learning from past events, our community can stay ahead of the risks we face.