Governor Greg Abbott renewed and amended a disaster proclamation on March 9 for several Texas counties due to ongoing fire weather conditions. The action follows confirmation from the Texas Division of Emergency Management that increased fire risks continue to threaten certain areas.
The renewal allows state and local agencies to use all available resources to address the disaster, aiming to protect lives and property across more than 150 counties. Governor Abbott said, “I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster” in the listed counties. He also authorized suspension of regulatory statutes or rules that could hinder emergency response efforts, provided such suspensions receive written approval from his office.
The proclamation outlines that any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement may be suspended if it impedes necessary emergency actions. “However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster,” Abbott said.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott has led Texas since his election in 2014 and has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security. The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott operates statewide from its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to the official website. The office has also contributed to Texas leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels according to its official website.
Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website. The Office exercises authority throughout Texas and delivers services across all regions according to its official website.
Copies of this renewed proclamation have been filed with applicable authorities as required by law. As fire weather conditions persist, officials are expected to continue monitoring risks while using expanded powers granted under this declaration.
