Texas Bill Allows Counties to Regulate Hard Surfaces

Families in flood-prone rural areas get better protection from flooding damage to their homes and belongings. Lower-income households often can't afford flood insurance or major repairs.

Working families in unincorporated areas benefit from reduced flood risk and better drainage. These households often struggle to recover financially from flood damage.

Middle-income families gain flood protection but may face new county rules about their property's hard surfaces. The flood benefits likely outweigh any new requirements.

Higher-income households get flood protection but may face the most restrictions on large driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces on their properties.