AUSTIN, TX — Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), authored by Senate Local Government Chairman Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) in response to the devastating July 4th flood disaster in Kerr County and across Central Texas, passed the Texas Senate unanimously, with 26 senate bi-partisan joint authors. SB 3 designated a priority bill by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, calls for the installation of proven time-tested technology, outdoor warning sirens, to alert residents and visitors when flood danger is imminent. To address a critical public safety gap in Central Texas’ “Flash Flood Alley,” where riverside youth camps, RV parks, and recreational areas are highly vulnerable to flash flooding, often lacking reliable cellular service for emergency alerts.

“Its crucial to have flash flood sirens warning systems installed before the next Texas summer, and SB 3 does exactly that. The bill was improved by amendment to make it clear it applies to ‘Flash flood-prone’ areas, ‘and includes sensors, gauges, and all other components essential to the function of the system!’” Senator Bettencourt stated.

Key Provisions of SB 3:

• Risk Identification — Requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to identify areas with a history of severe flooding, including locations with prior fatalities, dense residential or recreational activity, and other risk factors.
• Local Implementation — Directs counties and municipalities, based on jurisdiction, to install, operate, and maintain outdoor flood sirens under TWDB rules.
• Grant Program — Establishes a state-funded grant program, to assist with installation and maintenance costs. Administered by the Office of the Governor, with flexibility for agency delegation to streamline implementation and must comply implementation guidance from the TWDB.
• Minimum Standards — Sets requirements for:
• Siren equipment, sensors, gauges, operations, etc.
• Backup power systems independent from the primary grid;
• Emergency activation protocols.
• Initial cost estimates developed in coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) project a $50 million capital investment will be needed to install flash flood sirens in priority zones.

“Testimony after testimony confirms, flash flood warning sirens systems are proven, effective, and can save lives by getting folks to higher ground!” Senator Bettencourt concluded.

SB 3 is apart of four bills, SB 1 and SB 2 by Senate Select of Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Chairman Charles Perry, and SB 4 by Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman, headed to the Texas House to deliver a life-saving outdoor warning siren system and disaster preparedness, response and recovery resources swiftly.

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