Relating to a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations, regional planning commissions, and emergency communication districts in the provision of emergency communications services in this state.

The text as introduced · 283 words

90R259 MPF-D

By: Garcia Hernandez
H.B. No. 503

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations,

regional planning commissions, and emergency communication

districts in the provision of emergency communications services in

this state.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 771, Health and Safety

Code, is amended by adding Section 771.080 to read as follows:

Sec. 771.080. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES GRANT

PROGRAM. (a) From money appropriated or otherwise available for

that purpose, the commission shall establish and administer a grant

program to assist nonprofit organizations, regional planning

commissions, and emergency communication districts with providing

emergency communications services, including 9-1-1 service, to end

users in this state.

(b) The commission by rule shall:

(1) develop an application process for an entity

applying for a grant under this section;

(2) develop eligibility and selection criteria for an

entity applying for a grant under this section;

(3) develop procedures for commission approval of the

use of grant money awarded under this section; and

(4) establish accountability controls for grant

recipients to ensure the public purpose of providing emergency

communications services is accomplished and this state receives a

return benefit.

(c) In addition to money appropriated by the legislature,

the commission may accept gifts, grants, or donations from any

source to administer and finance the grant program established

under this section.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date

of this Act, the Commission on State Emergency Communications shall

establish the emergency communications services grant program

required by Section 771.080, Health and Safety Code, as added by

this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.