New Texas law helps protect Coastal Bend residents from disaster scams

KIII TV, By Bill Churchwell, December 1, 2025

State Rep. Todd Hunter said the bill creates new penalties because scammers continue to take advantage of storm victims across the state.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Several new Texas laws are now taking effect following the state's second special legislative session, with many of them stemming directly from the deadly July Fourth flooding in the Hill Country. While the measures address everything from improved flood warnings to strengthened emergency response, one new law is aimed specifically at protecting Texans during their most vulnerable moments right after a disaster.

State Rep. Todd Hunter said the bill was necessary because scammers continue to take advantage of storm victims across the state, including here in the Coastal Bend.

"It's sad that as lawmakers we have to address this, but it's a reality. Here we're starting December and we're going into the holiday season and you're gonna have scams now, this new law addresses a lot of tragedies and disasters," said Hunter.

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