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Bill

Bill

HB 244

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

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Mando Martinez

HB 244 requires TxDOT to integrate flood control and drainage improvements into highway projects to enhance infrastructure resilience against flooding events.

Referred to Disaster Preparedness & Flooding
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Bill Summary · HB 244

Legislative bill overview

HB 244 establishes new flood control requirements and standards for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) highway projects. The bill mandates that TxDOT incorporate specific flood mitigation measures into the design and construction of road infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to flooding and improve drainage systems along state highways.

Why is this important

Texas faces increasing flood risks from severe weather events, and highways are critical infrastructure that must remain passable during emergencies. By requiring TxDOT to proactively integrate flood control into project planning, the bill aims to reduce road closures, protect public safety, and decrease emergency response costs while ensuring better long-term infrastructure resilience.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Mandating enhanced flood control standards could increase project costs significantly, potentially affecting TxDOT's budget allocation and project timelines across the state
  • Implementation standards: Lack of clarity on specific technical requirements could create inconsistent application or disputes over what constitutes adequate flood mitigation measures
  • Local coordination: Highway projects may require cooperation with local drainage districts and municipalities, raising questions about responsibility, funding shared costs, and jurisdiction conflicts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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