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HB 66

Relating to the creation of the disaster relief and prevention matching grant and loan program and the disaster relief and prevention account.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Jeff Barry and 15 co-sponsors

HB 66 creates a Texas disaster relief and prevention grant-loan program with dedicated funding to help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters through matching financial assistance.

Left pending in committee
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #emergencymanagement #texasdivisionof(vp6fw) #loans(s0117) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HB 66

Legislative bill overview

HB 66 establishes a disaster relief and prevention matching grant and loan program in Texas, along with creating a dedicated disaster relief and prevention account to fund these initiatives. The program would provide financial assistance to communities and entities for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts.

Why is this important

Texas faces increasing exposure to hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and severe weather events that cause billions in damages annually. Creating dedicated funding mechanisms and grant/loan programs can help communities proactively reduce disaster vulnerability and recover more efficiently after catastrophic events, potentially reducing overall state costs and loss of life.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill text doesn't specify where initial capital for the account and matching grants would originate (general revenue, dedicated tax, bonds, federal matching funds, etc.)
  • Matching requirement burden: Requiring local entities to provide matching funds for grants may disadvantage economically distressed communities with limited resources, potentially widening disaster preparedness disparities
  • Program scope and eligibility: Details about which entities qualify (municipalities, counties, nonprofits, private sector), what projects are fundable, and loan terms/interest rates remain unspecified in available information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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