Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HCR 11

Filed
8/19/25  

Caption

Urging the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the approval of all FEMA applications for flood mitigation projects in Texas.

Summary

HCR 11 is a concurrent resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to speed up approval of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) applications for flood mitigation projects in Texas. The resolution cites specific examples, including the Combes Lateral Drainage Improvement project and the North Main Drainage Improvement project, where Texas officials and local applicants have allegedly completed required steps but are still waiting on federal action. It frames these delays as part of a broader problem affecting Texas communities that depend on timely federal disaster-prevention funding. The resolution does not change Texas statutes or create new state programs. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and directs the Texas secretary of state to transmit copies of the resolution to the DHS secretary and the FEMA administrator. Its practical effect is to formally pressure federal agencies to act more quickly on flood mitigation grant applications, especially for drainage and infrastructure projects intended to reduce flood risk and protect lives and property in vulnerable areas.

Impact

HCR 11 has no direct legal effect on Texas law, appropriations, or agency authority. It is a nonbinding legislative memorial/concurrent resolution that communicates the Texas Legislature’s request that DHS and FEMA expedite review and approval of flood mitigation funding applications. The resolution is aimed at federal grant administration and could support advocacy for local flood-control and drainage projects, but it does not itself allocate funds or alter state statutes affecting flood mitigation, emergency management, or water infrastructure.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and urgent. The bill text portrays the federal approval process as unreasonably slow and emphasizes the risk to Texas residents in flood-prone areas if projects remain delayed. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no evidence of formal opposition in the legislative record supplied here; the available context suggests a consensus concern about flood risk and the need for faster federal action.

Contention

The main point of contention is not within Texas law but in the federal approval process itself. The resolution criticizes FEMA and DHS for delays, lack of timelines, and failure to issue funding decisions, implying frustration with federal bureaucracy. Any disagreement would likely center on whether the agencies are moving too slowly versus whether the applications are still undergoing necessary review and compliance checks. The resolution does not identify Texas-side opponents or competing policy views, and no committee debate or vote record is provided to show internal legislative controversy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4329

Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board on the costs of developing flood infrastructure in this state.

TX SB780

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

TX SB36

Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.

TX SB1967

Relating to the provision of financial assistance by the Texas Water Development Board for certain projects.

TX HB4450

Relating to procedures for approving certain projects and permit applications by the Texas Historical Commission.

TX HB3544

Relating to flood control measures for Texas Department of Transportation highway projects.

TX HB3915

Relating to the projects eligible for financial assistance from the flood infrastructure fund.

TX SB135

Relating to the creation, operation, and powers of the Texas Division of Homeland Security.

TX HCR40

Urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star.

TX HB284

Relating to flood control measures for Texas Department of Transportation highway projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.