The legislation was crafted in response to the state's historic July 4 floods which killed more than 130 people, including nearly 40 children.

When the governor called the Texas Legislature into special session after July's historic floods, he topped his priority list with passing bills to better prepare the state for future natural disasters. Here's a look at six new measures lawmakers just passed.

Civil rights groups say Texas' new Congressional maps are racially gerrymandered. But Texas Republicans say the maps are partisan — which the Supreme Court said is legal.

These measures touch nearly every aspect of life, from education and healthcare to public safety, property rules and support for first responders. With so many changes coming at once, Texans can expect a variety of noticeable impacts on their daily lives.