79 Deaths in Kerr County Floods Prompt Texas Lawmaker to Reconsider Vote on Failed Warning System Bill

AUSTIN, Texas – Following devastating floods in Kerr County that claimed at least 79 lives, State Representative Wes Virdell, a Republican whose district includes the affected area, has indicated he would now vote differently on House Bill 13. The legislation, which failed to pass during the recent session, aimed to establish a grant program for counties to build new emergency communication infrastructure, including flood warning systems. Virdell's reconsideration comes after witnessing the severe impact of the flash floods firsthand.

House Bill 13 was designed to create a state-level council tasked with developing a comprehensive emergency response plan and administering grants to local governments. This initiative sought to improve communication among first responders and facilitate the implementation of crucial alert systems, such as outdoor warning sirens. The bill's author, Rep. Ken King, had been inspired by last year's wildfires in the Panhandle, highlighting a broader need for enhanced disaster preparedness across the state.

The bill, which passed the House with a significant majority, ultimately stalled in the Texas Senate, largely due to concerns over its estimated $500 million price tag. Steven Aranyi, a spokesperson for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, argued that the bill's proposed 10-year rollout for local grants would render systems outdated by the time they were developed. He also contended that the grants were limited to planning and did not directly support disaster response.

The recent floods in Kerr County, particularly along the Guadalupe River, tragically underscored the region's vulnerability, with 68 fatalities occurring there, many at a summer camp. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that the county had previously considered and rejected siren systems due to the high cost, which local taxpayers would bear. While Wireless Emergency Alerts were issued, their effectiveness was limited given the rapid onset of the floodwaters in the early morning hours when many were asleep or lacked access to mobile devices.

Governor Greg Abbott has acknowledged the need to examine warning systems, stating that the issue "will be looked at" in a future special session, though he did not commit to adding it to the immediate agenda. For now, Rep. Virdell emphasized that the primary focus remains on search and rescue efforts and supporting the affected community. The deadly event has reignited debate over state funding for local emergency preparedness in Texas.