In recent months, Texas has experienced significant events including catastrophic flooding and the implementation of numerous new laws.
July 2025 Central Texas Floods
In July 2025, Central Texas, especially the Hill Country region, suffered devastating flash floods due to heavy rainfalls linked to tropical moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry and other weather systems. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, causing catastrophic flooding with at least 135 deaths, predominately in Kerr County. Flood emergencies were declared, summer camps were severely affected, and emergency systems and responses were scrutinized. The flooding was the deadliest inland flooding event in the U.S. since 1976. The state government declared disasters, and federal aid was activated for recovery efforts.
September 2025 New Laws and Ongoing Issues
On September 1, 2025, over 800 new laws took effect in Texas, covering areas like education (including a controversial school cellphone ban and requirements to display the Ten Commandments in public schools), water infrastructure funding, property tax cuts, and abortion-related measures. Some laws affected school policies on diversity and inclusion, and there were legislative responses to improve crisis response and oversight after the Uvalde school shooting. There were also measures to address Texas' water crisis and housing regulations around lot sizes for new homes.
Current Situation in September 2025
More recent news from Texas includes ongoing investigations into shootings and traffic fatalities, studies on deaths near Lady Bird Lake in Austin, and ongoing political and economic discussions about the state’s infrastructure, flooding responses, and economic outlook amid national trends.
In summary, Texas has faced a severe natural disaster earlier in the year with lasting impacts and has recently implemented wide-ranging legislative changes addressing social, educational, environmental, and economic issues.
