Morales Bill Sends Border Reimbursements To Counties Within 45 Miles

The text as introduced · 628 words

By: Morales of Maverick
H.B. No. 4832

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

Relating to the deposit of federal reimbursements for border

security operations into the general revenue fund and the funding

of services and programs in the border region.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

ARTICLE 1. USE OF FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR BORDER SECURITY

OPERATIONS

SECTION 1.01. Section 403.093, Government Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funds

received by the state as reimbursement from the federal government

for costs associated with any border security operations or

expenditures since fiscal year 2008, shall be deposited into the

general revenue fund.

(g) Funds deposited under subsection (f) shall be used

solely for the purpose of projects qualified under Sec. 421.112,

Government Code in counties located within 45 miles from the

Texas-Mexico border.

ARTICLE 2. GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE BORDER REGION

SECTION 2.01. Chapter 421, Government Code, is amended by

adding Subchapter G to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER G. GRANT PROGRAMS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES,

EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES IN THE BORDER REGION

Sec. 421.111. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Border region" means a county located within 45

miles from the Texas-Mexico border.

(3) "Local government" means a municipality, county,

special purpose district, or other political subdivision of this

state.

Sec. 421.112. GRANTS PROGRAMS. The comptroller shall

administer grant programs to award funds to local governments or

entities in the border region for:

(1) infrastructure, technology, and equipment to

enhance security and public safety;

(2) facilities related to law enforcement,

prosecution, and adjudication; and

(3) other projects or initiatives necessary for the

region's security and economic development.

Sec. 421.113. FEDERAL FUNDS; GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS.

In addition to other funds appropriated by this act and for purposes

of administering and funding the grant programs established under

Section 421.112, the comptroller may:

(1) seek and apply for any available federal funds;

and

(2) solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations

from any other source, public or private, as necessary to ensure

effective implementation of the programs.

Sec. 421.114. RULES. (a) The comptroller shall adopt rules

for the administration of this subchapter.

(b) In adopting the rules, the comptroller shall solicit

from public officials and community leaders in the border region

and any other interested stakeholders information necessary to

identify the greatest needs for financial assistance in that

region.

(c) In adopting rules that relate to the grant programs

established under Section 421.112, the comptroller shall consult

federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, and private

entities with the relevant knowledge and expertise.

(d) The rules must include:

(1) administrative provisions for grants awarded

under this subchapter, including:

(A) eligibility criteria for grant applicants;

(B) grant application procedures;

(C) guidelines relating to grant amounts;

(D) procedures for evaluating grant

applications;

(E) procedures for monitoring the use of grants;

and

(F) procedures for re-awarding of a grant due to

technical error.

(2) methods for tracking the effectiveness of grants;

and

(3) provisions for donations to the grant program

established under Section 421.112.

Sec. 421.115. GRANT AMOUNTS. The amount of a grant awarded

under this subchapter may not exceed the amount set by the General

Appropriations Act.

Sec. 421.116. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The recipient of a

grant awarded under this subchapter shall submit to the comptroller

an annual report on the grant money spent during the year covered by

the report and the purposes for which that money was spent.

Sec. 421.117. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. Unless otherwise

provided by the appropriation, the comptroller may use a reasonable

amount, not to exceed five percent, of any general revenue

appropriated for purposes of this subchapter to pay the costs of

administering this subchapter.

ARTICLE 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

SECTION 3.01. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.