Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2021

Caption

Relating to the acceptance, rejection, and uses of certain money provided by the federal government to this state.

Impact

The bill introduces significant changes to the state's governance over federal funds by creating a new board tasked with the responsibility of managing these funds. This board, which will include high-ranking state officials such as the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house, requires approval from the governor for any proposed uses of these funds. By providing clear guidelines for the acceptance and management of federal money, the bill seeks to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and in accordance with state interests, safeguarding the state's budgetary powers.

Summary

House Bill 2021 is designed to govern the acceptance, rejection, and usage of certain federal funds allocated to Texas, particularly in relation to financial assistance stemming from public health emergencies. The legislation aims to establish a structured mechanism through which Texas can allocate and manage money from federal sources, specifically funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergency requirements. This includes provisions for a board responsible for administering and overseeing the allocation of federal funds according to state priorities.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 2021 appears to be cautiously supportive among state legislators who see the need for an organized approach to federal funding during emergencies. Proponents believe it is essential to streamline the process for managing federal funds to address urgent public health needs and economic recovery efforts more effectively. However, there are underlying concerns from various stakeholders, including public advocacy groups that worry about potential overreach and the implications of centralized control over funds that could otherwise be managed by local agencies.

Contention

The notable point of contention regarding HB 2021 revolves around how effectively this centralization balances the need for agility in responding to public health crises against the autonomy of local governments. Critics argue that the establishment of a state board may delay the distribution of necessary funds to municipalities and that it could lead to mismatches between local needs and state-level decisions on fund allocation. This tension is expected to continue as the state engages in discussions on optimizing the allocation process while considering the unique circumstances of various communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB104

Relating to the recovery by this state from the federal government of certain border security expenditures.

TX SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX SJR12

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1753

Relating to the prohibition of certain public health mandates by governmental entities and businesses in this state.

TX HB3317

Relating to programs established and operated by federally qualified health centers to provide primary care access to certain employees.

TX SB2193

Relating to programs established and operated by federally qualified health centers to provide primary care access to certain employees.

TX HB98

Relating to the recovery by the attorney general from the federal government of certain border security expenditures.

TX HB2817

Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.

Similar Bills

TX HB2457

Relating to the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX SB1175

Relating to the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX HB43

Relating to the Texas emerging technology fund; redesignating the fund as the Texas Research Technology Fund.

TX HB44

Relating to the Texas emerging technology fund; redesignating the fund as the Texas Research Technology Fund.

TX HB3162

Relating to the Texas emerging technology fund; redesignating the fund as the Texas Research Technology Fund.

TX HB4461

Relating to the creation of a fund to pay for border security enhancement projects; allocating the earnings on the balance of that fund and reimbursement of related expenditures.

TX SB991

Relating to the administration of the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas emerging technology fund and of awards from those funds.

TX HB4306

Relating to border security infrastructure enhancement projects and the creation of a fund to pay for those projects; allocating the earnings on the balance of that fund and reimbursement of related expenditures; including a study on water retention infrastructure near the border.