In a Dec. 1 news release, Gov. Greg Abbott said he directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management to request the U.S. Small Business Administration conduct preliminary damage assessments following two tornadoes and severe storms that moved through the northwestern portion of Harris County.

The big picture: Following the storms, local and state officials have started damage assessments in the affected areas, and the state is now requesting surveyors from the SBA to do the same. 

Quote of note: "These assessments will provide the accurate, on-the-ground information needed to secure crucial federal assistance for Texans who need it most," Abbott said in the release.

Next steps: Residents and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe weather Nov. 24 are encouraged to fill out the TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The survey is a method of self-reporting damage from natural disasters to the state for potential assistance.

A new Harbor Freight tool and equipment retailer is coming to Spring with an expected open date in the winter, according to business officials. 

What they offer: The store will offer products at discounted rates and also sells products through its website. Products sold include auto parts, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies and hand tools.

Quote of note: Senior Vice President of Real Estate Trey Feiler said in a Dec. 3 news release that the company has been looking to open a location in Spring for a number of years.

"In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Spring area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team," Feiler said.

A dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Dec. 4. The new laws come 90 days after the end of a special legislative session that took place this summer.

The overview: Some of the bills becoming law Dec. 4 include:

• House Bill 8, which will replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, with three shorter exams beginning in fall 2027
• House Bill 18, which is designed to deter future legislators from leaving the Texas Capitol to prevent a legislative chamber from considering legislation, known as breaking quorum
• Senate Bill 54, which will roll back a short-lived rule that allowed registered Texas voters who moved within a county to update their address at the polls and immediately vote in their new precinct