By Trisha Garcia | August 13, 2025
In a decisive move during this Special Session, the Texas Senate passed all 18 bills listed on the Governor’s call, including three top-priority flood preparedness measures and a sweeping education reform proposal. While some bills have cleared both chambers, most still await action in the Texas House before becoming law. For Cuero residents, these developments signal both progress and the need for continued civic attention.
Flooding Response Rooted in Local Voices
Senate Bills 1, 2, and 3—championed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and shaped by testimony from the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding—aim to strengthen Texas’s response to deadly floods like those recently seen across South Texas.
- SB 1 requires campgrounds in floodplains to adopt flash-flood evacuation plans, install rooftop emergency ladders, and establish clear lines of emergency management succession. Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who serves our district, added an amendment mandating evacuation plans for camps—an important safeguard for rural communities like ours. This bill has passed both chambers and will become law on September 1, 2025.
- SB 2 ensures outdoor warning sirens are installed in flood-prone areas, giving residents early alerts to protect lives and property. It has passed the Senate and awaits a vote in the House.
- SB 3 provides funding to implement the initiatives outlined in SB 1 and SB 2. It also awaits House action.
These bills reflect direct input from Texans, including a 13-hour hearing in Kerrville where residents, first responders, and local officials shared their experiences and concerns.
Goodbye STAAR? Not Yet.
Another headline-grabbing proposal is SB 8, which would eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with a more instruction-driven assessment system. The new model promises real-time feedback for students, teachers, and parents—without the stress and bureaucracy of standardized testing.
For Cuero ISD families, this could mean a shift toward more meaningful classroom engagement and less time “teaching to the test.” However, SB 8 is still in committee and has not yet been voted on by the Senate.
Redistricting and Political Tensions
The Senate also passed SB 4, the redistricting plan. Notably, several Democratic senators left the floor during the vote, registering as “absent, not voting.” This move signals opposition to the bill, likely rooted in concerns about fairness and representation. Despite their absence, the bill passed the Senate and now awaits House consideration.
Other Bills Address Justice, Mental Health, and Water Conservation
The final five bills on the Governor’s call—SB 43, SB 13, SB 6, SB 10, and SB 16—cover a range of issues including:
- Affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking
- Impact fee credits for water conservation and reuse
- Confidentiality protections for law enforcement personnel
- Improvements to juvenile justice and mental health access
- Streamlined permitting for flood-control dams and reservoirs
While all five have advanced through the Senate, some remain in committee or await House votes. Each carries implications for rural counties like DeWitt, where infrastructure, justice reform, and water management remain pressing concerns.
What Happens Next?
Though the Senate has completed its work, most bills must still pass the Texas House and be signed by the Governor to become law. The House’s response—especially on education and redistricting—will be closely watched.
For Cuero residents, this legislative package represents both momentum and a reminder: civic engagement doesn’t end with a Senate vote. Whether it’s flood safety, classroom reform, or judicial fairness, these bills touch the heart of our community’s resilience and future.
📊 Bill Status Summary
| Bill | Topic | Senate Status | House Status | Law Yet? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB 1 | Disaster preparedness | ✅ Passed | ✅ Passed | ✅ Becomes law Sept 1, 2025 |
| SB 2 | Flood warning systems | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Pending vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 3 | Funding for SB 1 & 2 | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Pending vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 8 | STAAR test replacement | ⏳ In committee | ❌ Not yet voted | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 4 | Redistricting | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting action | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 43 | Flood-control dam permitting | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 13 | Water infrastructure incentives | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 6 | Law enforcement confidentiality | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 10 | Human trafficking protections | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting vote | ❌ Not law yet |
| SB 16 | Judicial reform | ✅ Passed | ⏳ Awaiting vote | ❌ Not law yet |
📝 Editor’s Note
This article reflects verified legislative status as of publication, based on official records from the Texas Legislature and public statements from elected officials. Cuero Online News remains committed to accuracy, transparency, and timely updates on issues that affect our community.