Texas House Bill 5 directs the state to spend $324 million on disaster relief and preparedness. The bill breaks down into four main areas of funding, each designed to help our communities recover from and prepare for severe weather events.
The first section sets aside $200 million to match federal disaster relief funds and support state disaster recovery efforts. This money comes from Texas's economic stabilization fund and helps the state take full advantage of federal assistance available after disasters like flooding and severe storms.
The second section allocates $50 million in grants to 29 counties in the Hill Country region, including Travis, Bexar, and Williamson counties. These grants help local governments install flood warning sirens and rain gauges. Early warning systems save lives by giving families time to reach safety when floods approach.
The third section provides $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood warning systems. Better weather predictions help our communities prepare and respond faster to storms. The fourth section sets aside $50 million for emergency radio systems that let police, firefighters, and emergency responders communicate with each other during crises.
The bill requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Texas Legislature to pass. These investments strengthen our state's ability to protect residents and speed recovery after natural disasters.
Where to next?
Every page is a door. Pick one and keep going.