LIVE BLOG: Texas lawmakers hold hearing on disaster preparedness

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas lawmakers will convene Wednesday morning for the first hearing of the Joint Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. The 18 senators and representatives will hear invited testimony about the state’s response and preparedness for the devastating Independence Day floods in Central Texas, which killed over 130 people.

The committees, chaired by Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, in the House, and Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, in the Senate, were convened in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s call to address weather emergency warning systems and flood relief in his special session proclamation. Some legislation has already been filed, with more on the way.

The first hearing of the committee will discuss the state’s response to the flooding, the state’s disaster preparedness more generally, flood planning and infrastructure, river authority operations in “Flash Flood Alley” and first responder communications during disasters.

What to know:

• MAP: Where have flash flooding deaths been confirmed in Texas?
• Here’s what we know about the Central Texas flooding victims
• Resources for Texans affected by flooding

The committee will meet at 9 a.m. at the Capitol in hearing room E1.030. No public testimony will be permitted at this hearing, but a second hearing will take place in Kerrville July 31 with public testimony permitted for residents to speak about their experience.

Follow along for updates from Wednesday’s hearing.