Relating to the creation of the disaster relief and prevention matching grant and loan program and the disaster relief and prevention account.
Summary
HB 66 would create a new Texas Disaster Relief and Prevention Matching Grant and Loan Program within the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The program would use money from a newly created disaster relief and prevention account to provide matching grants and loans to eligible political subdivisions, businesses, and certain homeowners in areas declared disaster areas by the governor. The stated purposes are disaster recovery and remediation, as well as infrastructure and home improvements intended to reduce damage from future disasters.
The bill sets out eligibility standards tied to existing federal disaster assistance programs, including FEMA public assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. It also requires the division to create an application process, post an electronic application form online, and enter written agreements with recipients that allow audits to ensure compliance. Loans would have to be at or below market interest rates and could not exceed a 10-year term. The account would be funded through legislative appropriations and transfers, loan repayments, and gifts, grants, or donations.
Impact
If enacted, HB 66 would amend Chapter 418, Government Code, by adding a new subchapter governing disaster recovery financing. It would authorize the Texas Division of Emergency Management to administer a state matching grant and loan program and create a dedicated account in general revenue for those purposes. The bill would not directly change local government powers broadly, but it would give eligible local governments, businesses, and some homeowners access to state-backed financial assistance for disaster recovery and mitigation projects.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable policy intent, with the bill framed around disaster relief, recovery, and future mitigation. However, there is no committee transcript or recorded vote history in the provided materials, and the bill was left pending in committee. As a result, there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate strong support or opposition in the available record.
Contention
Because there are no committee transcripts or votes provided, no specific objections are documented. Potential points of contention inherent in the bill include the creation of a new state account, the use of public funds for matching grants and loans, eligibility limits tied to federal disaster programs, and the administrative burden on the Texas Division of Emergency Management to run the program and audit recipients. Questions could also arise about funding sources, loan repayment risk, and whether the program should prioritize public entities, businesses, or homeowners.
Relating to disasters, including the regulation of social media platforms, disaster relief organizations, and disaster volunteers; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties; authorizing a fee.
Relating to certain measures to prevent and reduce fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, including establishing a voluntary certification program for disaster relief organizations.
Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment; authorizing a surcharge.
Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.