Texas Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a disaster proclamation originally issued on July 4, 2025, in response to severe flooding that began two days earlier. The updated proclamation continues to cover numerous counties affected by heavy rainfall and flash flooding, which resulted in significant property damage, injuries, and loss of life.
The disaster declaration now applies to Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Edwards, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, Menard, Real, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton, Tom Green, Travis, Uvalde and Williamson Counties.
Governor Abbott invoked Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code for this action. He also authorized the use of all available state government resources as well as those from political subdivisions to address the ongoing disaster under Section 418.017.
Additionally,“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,hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. Any statutes that might prevent the transfer of bodies to families as soon as possible are hereby suspended,incluiding Sections 264.514 and 264.515 of the Texas Family Code and Articles 49.04 ,49.05 ,49.10,and 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.Further,to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster,I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.”
The official statement was signed by Governor Abbott in Austin on December 18th and attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.
According to information from the official website, Governor Abbott has led Texas since his election in 2014 and oversees an office headquartered at the State Insurance Building in Austin.The governor’s office forms partof Texas’ executive branch and provides services statewide.The administration is recognized for advancing initiatives related to job creation,economic opportunities,and public safety.Greg Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024.
