Texas lawmakers passed bills to better prepare for and mitigate wildfires following the Smokehouse Creek fire, the state’s largest, which burned over 1 million acres and killed three. Senate Bill 34 mandates a study on wildfire risk zones by Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University, increases funding for volunteer fire departments, and creates a statewide firefighting equipment database. Rep. Ken King also advanced legislation requiring the Railroad Commission to notify authorities about hazardous power lines at oilfield sites, a common wildfire cause. However, a bill to establish a statewide emergency communication network for first responders failed in the Senate.
“What Texas lawmakers did after the state’s largest wildfire” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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LUBBOCK — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage.
The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas.
The legislative package was inspired by the state’s largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations.
Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires.
“We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what’s right for our volunteer firefighters,” King said. “Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.”
The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study todetermine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation.
Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass.
The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these riskzones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature.
“Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,” Sparks said in a previous statement.
Another recommendation from the House committeereport was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed.
Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas’ forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory.
One of King’s bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory “no man’s land,” as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006.
Under King’s bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notifythe Public Utility Commission when itidentifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner.
The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service.
While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state’s response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies.
House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the “boldest move” he’s seen in his career.
That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate.
Disclosure: Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
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Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Centrist
This article from *The Texas Tribune* focuses on wildfire legislation passed by the Texas Legislature and includes factual reporting on the bills’ content, their sponsors, and the state agencies involved. While it highlights Republican lawmakers and their roles in the legislative process, the coverage remains objective, avoiding partisan framing or emotionally charged language. The piece includes quotes and sources from official reports and state agencies without editorializing or offering ideological commentary. The tone is informative, and the balanced reporting reflects a commitment to neutrality, aligning with the Tribune’s stated nonpartisan mission.
SUMMARY: Severe flooding in Central Texas has displaced residents and damaged homes. Immediate help is available through Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville, The Salvation Army, FEMA, and the American Red Cross, offering supplies, financial aid, shelter, and mental health support. Affected individuals should document damage, save receipts, and file insurance claims before applying for FEMA aid. Housing and financial assistance can be accessed via 2-1-1 Texas, TDEM, TDI, NFIP, TDA, and SBA for farmers, homeowners, and businesses. Legal aid is provided by Disaster Legal Services and Lone Star Legal Aid. For emotional support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline. Update your address with USPS if displaced.
www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-06 19:20:00
At least 69 people died and 51 are missing following July 4 flash floods in Texas Hill Country, Governor Greg Abbott reported. The dead and missing include 59 confirmed deceased and 11 missing at Camp Mystic, Kerr County, plus 10 others dead and 41 missing statewide. Many missing are adults camping near the river, with ongoing searches continuing throughout affected areas. Over 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles from 20 state agencies are involved in rescue and recovery. Flash flooding threats remain, urging Texans to stay off roads. More than 850 people have been rescued, including 525 by the Texas National Guard and 165 by a heroic U.S. Coast Guard swimmer. The Trump administration supports federal disaster relief efforts.
(The Center Square) – At least 69 people are dead and 51 are missing as a result of the July 4 flash flood event in Texas Hill Country, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Sunday night.
There are 59 confirmed deceased and 11 missing from Camp Mystic, in Kerrville and Kerr County, Abbott said. In the Central Texas area, there are confirmed 10 additional people deceased. Statewide, in all areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing.
But it’s unknown how many remain missing. Abbott said it was important to clarify that “there were so many people who were just camping out – not children in camps – but adults camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that,” who are missing. “There are people who are missing, who are not on the known, confirmed missing because we don’t yet know who they are,” he said.
Authorities are involved in ongoing searches “throughout the entire river system to find anybody who may be missing,” he said. Abbott also called on members of the public to contact local Kerr County officials if they believe they know someone is missing who was camping in the area.
“Please contact the local officials in Kerr County and let them know that you have the name, identification and other information about a person who is suspected to be missing,” he said. “Call only if you have specific information,” otherwise calls could slow emergency response efforts, he said.
The state has deployed more than 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets across 20 state agencies in response to the flood event.
Expected dangerous weather conditions continue, Abbott also warned, adding that “life threatening danger over the next 24 to 48 hours” exists. Flash flooding could occur in the regions of “the Big Country, Concho Valley, Central Texas and Kerrville,” he said.
“There are still public safety issues and lives to be saved in Kerr County, and all of these regions,” he said.
He urged Texans to remain vigilant and stay off the roads.
Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Director Freeman Martin said three people have been reported missing in Williamson County, one has been recovered; the fire chief and a 17-year-old female are missing in Burnet County.
At least six people are confirmed dead and 17 are reported missing in Travis and Burnet counties as a result of flood waters, authorities confirmed to the Dallas Morning News.
Recovering operations are ongoing for everyone including “every single one of the children who were at Camp Mystic, as well as anybody else,” Abbott said. After visiting what’s left of the camp, he said, “it was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through.”
“We know that parents and families, they want information, they want closure, and we want them to know that we are working as swiftly as possible to get them accurate information that will provide that closure,” Abbott said.
More than 850 people have been rescued, the majority by the Texas Military Department.
Texas National Guard helped rescue/evacuate 525 people, 366 by air and 159 by ground; 20 were in San Sabo County and five in Burnet County, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer said.
One single U.S. Coast Guard officer rescued a record 165 people.
U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Petty Officer Scott Ruskin “directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the USCG.”
The Trump administration is supporting recovery efforts, including the president already approving a major disaster declaration authorizing FEMA assistance.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Centrist
This article primarily reports factual information about the tragic July 4 flash flood event in Texas, focusing on casualty numbers, ongoing rescue efforts, and official statements from Governor Greg Abbott and other authorities. The tone is neutral and informative, without emotive or partisan language. It highlights government response and the severity of the disaster, mentioning support from the Trump administration in a straightforward manner. There is no discernible ideological stance or bias in favor of any political party; instead, it adheres to factual reporting on the events and responses related to the flood.
SUMMARY: Texas has passed House Bill 1056, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, allowing use of gold and silver stored in the Texas Bullion Depository for everyday purchases via debit cards and mobile apps. The phased rollout begins September 2026, with full operation by May 2027. Supporters argue it protects against inflation and honors constitutional money principles, while tech demonstrations show merchants incur no extra costs. However, concerns about federal constitutional conflicts were raised, as only the U.S. can coin money. Similar laws exist in Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, and other states, but Texas’ law uniquely includes electronic payment infrastructure for practical use.
