"I am directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to immediately expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force to the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin metropolitan areas," said Governor Abbott. "As the Texas Department of Public Safety fulfills its mission to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of every Texan, our state’s peace officers confront a revolving door of repeat violent offenders. Targeting these dangerous perpetrators reduces crime, increases safety, and better protects Texans. We will unapologetically back law enforcement, bring dangerous criminals to justice, and keep our communities safe."

Read the Governor's letter here.

Since the task force launched in October, the operation has led to the arrest of 728 repeat offenders, 455 of which have been identified as high-threat offenders. The task force has also encountered 155 known gang members and has arrested members of several violent gangs, including Puro Tango Blast, MS-13, the Bloods, and the Crips.

The task force has made 225 drug seizures, including more than 225,000 lethal doses of fentanyl, 115 pounds of methamphetamine, 7 pounds of cocaine, and 415 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, the task force's efforts have resulted in 110 weapon and 12 currency seizures, and the recovery of 25 stolen vehicles.

Last year, Governor Abbott signed into law the strongest bail reform package in Texas history that protects Texans by keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars. That package included:

• Senate Bill 9 (Huffman/Smithee) gives prosecutors the ability to appeal bad bail decisions made in cases involving the most heinous crimes and repeat felons. This law also ensures only elected judges may reduce the amount or conditions of a bail set by an elected judge. 
• Senate Bill 40 (Huffman/Smithee) prohibits the use of public funds to pay a nonprofit organization that will then post bail for criminals. 
• House Bill 75 (Smithee/Huffman) ensures transparency in the initial stages of a criminal case, requiring magistrates provide a written explanation on why they determined an arrest was made without probable cause.
• Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Huffman/Smithee) is a constitutional amendment that will require a judge to deny bail to a defendant charged with the most heinous crimes — such as rape, murder, and human trafficking — when the state proves the defendant is a threat to public safety or will not show up for trial.  

"Our state remains dedicated to recovery efforts for Texans impacted by recent severe storms," said Governor Abbott. "This updated request to the SBA will help provide coastal communities the resources they need to rebuild their homes and businesses."

If the Governor’s request is approved, the SBA would provide low-interest loans through disaster programs to qualifying Texans in coastal communities whose homes and businesses sustained damage during the severe weather incident, including but not limited to damage caused by tornadoes, thunderstorms, large hail, and straight-line winds.

Governor Abbott's request follows an analysis of the damage sustained in impacted communities conducted by local, state, and federal officials. The analysis verifies that Victoria County meets the federally required thresholds for SBA assistance. Officials also reviewed disaster damage details provided by Texans through the self-reporting Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) surveys. Affected Texans can continue to report damage online at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to support communities affected by severe weather, including:

• Announcing approval of SBA assistance for North Texas communities impacted by storms
• Amending the state disaster declaration for severe weather to include affected coastal communities and directing TDEM to request joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal officials in additional storm-impacted areas
• Requesting SBA assistance for affected North Texas communities
• Adding Palo Pinto County to the state’s severe weather disaster declaration
• Issuing a disaster declaration for North Texas storms and directing TDEM to request joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal officials in storm-impacted communities
• Activating state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather risks

“Texas is where hard work and innovation will secure America’s mineral independence,” said Governor Abbott. “This Texas-sized investment by USA Rare Earth will create good-paying jobs in Far West Texas and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for critical minerals that power our economic and national security. Working with innovative industry partners, we will accelerate Texas’ leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technologies for decades to come.”

USARE will develop its Round Top Mountain deposit as a domestic source of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and select technology metals. Rare earth elements are deemed vital to U.S. national security; the oxides from this deposit are critical components for high-performance permanent magnets used in semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, physical AI and robotics, as well as advanced defense systems. The Round Top site contains an estimated one billion tons of material and 15 of the 17 rare earth elements.

“USA Rare Earth is grateful to Governor Abbott and the State of Texas for this investment in America’s critical minerals future,” said USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton. “This Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund award reinforces what we’ve known from the start — Texas is where America’s rare earth independence begins. With our Round Top deposit in Hudspeth County and the support of visionary state leaders, we are building a fully integrated value chain from American soil, creating Texas jobs, and ensuring that the United States and its allies and partners never again depend on adversarial nations for the materials that power our national defense, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation technology. From mine to magnet and beyond, USA Rare Earth is proud to call Texas home.”

“West Texas is once again proving the powerful role it plays in driving the future of our state and nation,” said Senator César J. Blanco. “This investment in Hudspeth County is a major step toward strengthening American energy independence, expanding advanced manufacturing, and supporting national security. By strengthening the domestic critical minerals supply chain, we are reducing our reliance on foreign sources while positioning Texas at the forefront of a rapidly growing, high-demand industry. I want to thank Governor Abbott for recognizing the importance of investing in our region and strengthening Texas’ leadership in this vital industry.”

“As demand for rare earth minerals surge, Texas is positioned to lead the nation in securing our supply chain and investing in our national security,” said Representative Eddie Morales. “The economic growth and jobs created are vital for our region, and I am proud to see West Texas at the forefront of ensuring our economic and national security future, alongside USARE.”

View more information about USARE.

Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023 to establish the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program to continue Texas’ leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs, administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, a division within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Office of the Governor, are designed to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

“Angela Colmenero is a brilliant lawyer and will make an exemplary federal judge,” said Governor Abbott. “In her service to Texas, she has been a fierce defender of the constitution and steadfast champion of the rule of law. I congratulate her on this appointment to the federal bench and thank President Trump for nominating her. Texas is proud of Angela, and she will make an excellent federal judge."

Susan Brown of Houston is the former Judge of the 185th Judicial District Court in Harris County. She has served as the Presiding Judge of the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region since March 2018. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association and former chair of its Bench Bar Committee, commissioner on the Texas Children’s Commission and chair of its Data Committee, president of the Texas Association of Retired, Senior, and Former Judges, and a member of the Texas Center of the Judiciary's Curriculum Committee. Additionally, she is one of the founders of Houston Pearls Foundation and serves on its Board. Brown received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.

“I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency resources to assist local officials with any potential weather impact,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is prepared to confront the severe storms that pose a threat to communities all across our state. Texans are urged to heed the guidance of state and local officials, monitor weather forecasts, and create an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown." 

According to the National Weather Service, significant thunderstorm activity is expected to reach across a large footprint of the state starting this afternoon, extending into the overnight hours and early Monday morning. These storms bring the potential for hazards such as damaging winds that could exceed 75 miles per hour and very large hail reaching over 2 inches in diameter. Storms will also have the capability of producing widespread rainfall leading to flash flooding, with isolated pockets of 3-6 inches in some areas. Tornadoes are also a possible risk. The areas of concern include large sections of West, North, East, Central, and South-Central Texas. Conditions may impact South and Southeast Texas communities as the threat shifts towards the coast. Texans are urged to monitor local forecast information.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2, and Texas A&M Task Force 3): Swiftwater and Floodwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search and Rescue Teams to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team, All Hazards Group responders, Incident Support Task Force, Disaster Recovery Task Force, and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews to assist with clearing roadways
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring

Texans are reminded to make a plan for potential storm impacts, assemble an emergency supply kit, review family emergency plans, and follow directions from local officials.

Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, and access all-hazards preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

31st Judicial District In Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, And Wheeler Counties - Governor Abbott appointed Leslie Timmons as District Attorney of the 31st Judicial District in Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Wheeler Counties for a term set to expire December 31, 2026, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

156th Judicial District Court In Aransas, Bee, Live Oak, McMullen, And San Patricio Counties - Governor Abbott appointed Boyd Bauer as Judge of the 156th Judicial District Court in Aransas, Bee, Live Oak, McMullen, and San Patricio Counties for a term set to expire December 31, 2026.

213th Judicial District Court In Tarrant County - Governor Abbott appointed Michael Ferry to the 213th Judicial District Court in Tarrant County for a term set to expire December 31, 2026, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

Texas State Board Of Social Worker Examiners - Governor Abbott named Jason Bernal as chair of the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Board is responsible for regulating the practice of social work in Texas.

WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation related to fire weather conditions that began on August 10, 2025, as amended and renewed in subsequent proclamations, certifying that increased fire weather conditions pose an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property in several counties; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same increased fire weather conditions persist in certain counties in Texas;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Cochran, Collingsworth, Crosby, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Floyd, Garza, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hockley, Hutchinson, Kent, Lamb, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Moore, Motley, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, Terry, Wheeler, and Yoakum Counties. 

Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.

Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.  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.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 8th day of May, 2026.

GREG ABBOTT

Governor

ATTESTED BY:

JANE NELSON

Secretary of State

View the Governor's proclamation.

“Texans affected by the severe storms in North Texas will now have access to additional resources needed for recovery,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for their work with the Trump Administration to assist Texans in need.”

The SBA granted access to its Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide low-interest loans to qualifying homeowners, renters, and businesses in affected North Texas communities following the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred in April.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

SBA representatives will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to explain the application process, assist with completing applications, and address questions about the disaster loan programs. Starting today at 9 AM, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be located at 513 Port O Call Drive in Runaway Bay, which will be open weekdays from 9 AM – 6 PM. Additionally, starting tomorrow at 9 AM, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be located at 109 W 3rd Street in Springtown, which will be open weekdays from 9 AM – 6 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM. Further, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open starting on Monday, located at 4801 US-180 in Mineral Wells, which will be open weekdays from 9 AM – 6 PM.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to support communities affected by severe weather, including:

• Amending the state’s severe weather disaster declaration to include impacted coastal communities and directing TDEM to request joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal officials in additional affected areas
• Requesting SBA assistance for communities affected by severe storms
• Adding Palo Pinto County to the state’s severe weather disaster declaration
• Issuing a disaster declaration for North Texas storms and directing TDEM to request joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal officials in storm-impacted communities
• Activating state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather risks

After extensive research, the Council identified 10 key recommendations to transform FEMA into an improved supporting entity for disaster management, relaying leadership and responsibility in times of crisis to state and local communities.

Governor Abbott noted that these reforms are desperately needed. By implementing these recommendations, FEMA is on the path to becoming more responsive and agile in its ability to assist Americans in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters.

The Governor also highlighted that Texas is consistently impacted by multiple natural disasters and believes that these reforms, when implemented, will be more effective for the state’s response efforts. Finally, Governor Abbott thanked the Trump Administration, and his fellow council members for the Council's work, and highlighted the need to continue open dialogue during times of crisis.

On January 24, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing the Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The goal of the FEMA Review Council is to advise the President on the existing ability of FEMA to capably and impartially address disasters occurring within the United States and on all recommended changes related to FEMA to best serve the national interest. 

Last May, Governor Abbott was sworn into the Council after being appointed by President Donald J. Trump.