2nd Special Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB3 establishes a conditional mandate requiring municipalities and counties in the "July 2025 Hill Country flood" zones to install outdoor warning sirens equipped with independent backup power. The critical business impact is financial: the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is statutorily prohibited from approving any new financial assistance applications (for water, sewer, or flood projects) until the applicant certifies compliance with these new siren standards.
Sen. Paul Bettencourt·Senate Bill·2nd Special Session
Office of the Governor • Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
highSignificant operational investment may be required.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB3
SB3 establishes a conditional mandate requiring municipalities and counties in the "July 2025 Hill Country flood" zones to install outdoor warning sirens equipped with independent backup power. The critical business impact is financial: the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is statutorily prohibited from approving any new financial assistance applications (for water, sewer, or flood projects) until the applicant certifies compliance with these new siren standards.
SB3 was authored by Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt during the 2nd Special Session.
SB3 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on September 5, 2025.
SB3 is enforced by Office of the Governor and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
The regulatory priority for SB3 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB3 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB3 addresses topics including disaster preparedness & relief, governor, safety, state finances and state finances--management & control.
Key dates for SB3: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Adopt rules/procedures for siren operation, maintenance, and backup power standards; identify specific flash flood-prone areas. (TBD (Post-Effective Date)); Establish grant eligibility criteria, application procedures, and monitoring guidelines. (TBD (Post-Effective Date)). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB3 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Denial of Financial Assistance for Failure to certify compliance with siren installation, maintenance, and operation standards when applying for TWDB funding.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
