Relating to flood safety and disaster preparedness.

HB 242 requires cities and counties in Texas to install outdoor warning sirens in flood-risk zones - defined as river areas that flooded at least once in the past 100 years - every two miles along rivers. These sirens must include water-level sensors and solar-powered backups, and local governments (cities for incorporated areas, counties for unincorporated areas) must install, maintain, and test them regularly. The bill prohibits requiring duplicate sirens in the same zone and allows joint installations between local entities. It also mandates the state to create rules for siren standards and operation. The law directly affects local governments in flood-prone regions, aiming to improve public safety alerts during flooding events.