Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has amended the severe weather disaster declaration initially issued on April 30, 2024. The original proclamation, which has been amended multiple times, certified that severe storms and flooding beginning on April 26, 2024, caused widespread property damage, injury, or loss of life across numerous counties in Texas.

The newly amended declaration now includes Hopkins and Titus counties. "I do hereby amend the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in the additional counties of Hopkins and Titus," stated Governor Abbott.

Under Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott authorized the use of all available state government resources and political subdivisions necessary to manage the disaster. Additionally, he suspended any regulatory statutes or rules that might hinder emergency response efforts as per Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code.

The proclamation mandates that copies be filed with applicable authorities. Governor Abbott signed the document on June 13, 2024, with Secretary of State Jane Nelson attesting.