The Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism of the Texas House of Representatives convened on June 8, 2025, to address critical issues concerning state parks and emergency management coordination. The meeting began with acknowledgments of technical difficulties, particularly with microphone issues, but proceeded smoothly as members engaged in discussions about safety measures in state parks.

A significant topic of discussion was the current lack of specific warning systems at Texas's 89 state parks, soon to be 90. Members inquired about how visitors are notified of potential dangers, such as floods. The response highlighted that while there are no sirens in place, a text messaging system is utilized for registered visitors. The parks team is working on identifying flood zones within campsites to enhance visitor safety.

Concerns were raised regarding the reliability of cell phone service in remote park areas, which can hinder communication during emergencies. Members acknowledged the importance of improving communication infrastructure to ensure better safety for park visitors and first responders.

The meeting also touched on the coordination between local emergency management, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and federal partners during disaster responses. Testimonies indicated that while the collaboration was effective, there were notable communication challenges, particularly with interoperability among various communication systems. The need for improved communication strategies was emphasized, with discussions about utilizing technologies like STARLINK to enhance connectivity during emergencies.

The session concluded with gratitude expressed towards emergency responders for their efforts during recent disasters and a commitment to reviewing after-action reports to address any identified gaps in response strategies. Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and communication within Texas's state parks and emergency management systems.