Legislative Initiative by Texas House Representative Targets Reformation of Flood Control District in Harris County
In early August 2025, Texas State Representative Dennis Paul filed House Bill 253 (HB 253) with the aim of reforming the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) due to concerns about mismanagement and a funding shortfall affecting flood mitigation projects approved by voters in 2018 [1][3][4].
The bill proposes a change in the management structure of the HCFCD, with the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, appointing members to a board that would oversee flood mitigation. Specifically, the Governor would appoint at least four board members, with the Harris County Commissioners selecting a fifth member [1][2][5].
The bill also allows for the possibility of adjacent counties, like Galveston and Brazoria, to join the flood control district. If they do, those counties would gain representation via two board members each—one appointed by the Governor and one by their county's commissioners court [2].
Before the reforms would become effective, Harris County voters must approve the changes in a scheduled election no later than September 1, 2028 [2]. The legislation is being considered as part of the ongoing Texas special session in 2025, though progress faces hurdles due to broader political disputes affecting the legislature, including a recent quorum break by Democrats opposing redistricting efforts [2].
The funding shortfall in the HCFCD, amounting to at least $1.34 billion, is a concern for the completion of flood mitigation projects approved by voters in 2018 following Hurricane Harvey. Some projects approved in 2018 have not even started yet, according to reporter Holly Hansen [6].
Residents in Galveston and Brazoria Counties have expressed interest in a regional flood control district, potentially addressing their concerns about the management of the HCFCD [7]. Reporter Holly Hansen wrote an in-depth article about the bill for The Texan.
If HB 253 passes in the special session, the reform would have to ultimately be approved by Harris County voters. The bill aims to address the concerns about the management of the HCFCD, specifically the issue of mitigation mismanagement.
[1] Texas House Bill 253 [2] Houston Chronicle [3] The Texan [4] KPRC Click2Houston [5] Houston Public Media [6] Houston Public Media [7] The Texan
- The ongoing Texas special session has the potential to modify the policy-and-legislation surrounding the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), with House Bill 253 proposing changes that include new management structures and the possibility for adjacent counties like Galveston and Brazoria to join, under the oversight of appointed board members by the Governor and County Commissioners.
- In the broader context of politics and general news, the passage of House Bill 253 would address the concerns of voters and residents regarding the mismanagement of the HCFCD, particularly in flood mitigation projects, but faces challenges due to broader political disputes affecting the Texas legislature.
