Testimony will be heard from those in charge of managing rivers as well as emergency managers and first responders about the flash flooding that killed at least 135 people.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers are back in Austin for a special session, and they have just 30 days to tackle a list of controversial and complex issues, including flooding recovery and preparedness. But analysts say the clock — and the politics — will be working against them.

The recent flash floods in central Texas impacted thousands of homes and laid bare the challenges facing local homeowners, including rising insurance rates.

Texas lawmakers’ inaction on flood prevention often hits rural and economically disadvantaged communities the hardest, experts said.

Top state officials are testifying that communication needs to improve between the state and local officials, between first responders, and with the large number of volunteers on the ground.

As communities across Central Texas reel from the deadly floods that devastated Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country towns, Fox 29 Chief Meteorologist Alex Garcia is speaking out about what went wrong and what needs to change.