HB4832 - 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.

      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.