Texas Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a disaster proclamation for several counties affected by heavy rainfall and flooding that began on July 2, 2025. The original disaster declaration was issued on July 4, 2025, and has since been extended through subsequent proclamations due to ongoing damage.
In the official statement, Governor Abbott said: “WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on July 4, 2025, as amended and renewed in subsequent proclamations, certifying that the heavy rainfall and flooding event that began on July 2, 2025, that included heavy rainfall and flash flooding, caused widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in several counties;Â
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Edwards, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney,…”
The renewed proclamation allows state agencies to use all available resources to manage the ongoing effects of flooding. It also suspends certain regulatory statutes if they hinder emergency response efforts. According to Abbott: “Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code…I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.”
He further stated: “Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code…any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent…necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.” Statutes related to transfer of bodies after fatalities have also been suspended for quicker response.
Governor Abbott’s action follows continued reports from impacted counties about property damage and risk to residents.
“In accordance with the statutory requirements,” Abbott added in his statement,”copies of this proclamation shall be filed with applicable authorities.”
The document was signed by both Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson at Austin.
