A federal bill inspired by the deadly 2025 Texas Hill Country floods is headed to President Donald Trump’s desk after receiving unanimous approval in the U.S. Senate.
The Mystic Alerts Act would expand the nation’s Wireless Emergency Alert system by allowing emergency messages to be transmitted through satellite networks when traditional cellular service is damaged or unavailable.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Texas Republican Rep. August Pfluger following the July 4, 2025, floods that killed more than 130 people across Central Texas. 27 campers and counselors were killed at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River.
Damage to cellular infrastructure during the flooding prevented some wireless emergency alerts from reaching people in affected areas, prompting lawmakers to look for additional ways to distribute warnings when conventional communications systems fail.
Under the legislation, cellular providers would be allowed to partner with satellite communications companies to transmit wireless emergency alerts during disasters. The Federal Communications Commission would also be directed to develop rules for incorporating satellite technology while maintaining the existing emergency alert system.
The House unanimously approved the Mystic Alerts Act in April. The Senate passed the House version without amendment by unanimous consent Wednesday.
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff led the legislation in the Senate.
The bill now goes to Trump for his signature.
