Texas House Bill HB2832

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/13/25

Caption

Relating to requiring the approval of the comptroller of public accounts before a state agency may accept federal money.

Impact

The passage of HB 2832 is expected to have significant implications for the operations of state agencies. By requiring prior approval from the comptroller, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the acceptance of federal funds and the obligations that come with such funding. This legislative change means that agencies will now need to provide detailed descriptions of conditions tied to federal funds and estimate the costs involved in implementing those conditions. The requirement for an approval process could slow down the ability of some agencies to access necessary funding, particularly if they face delays in the approval process.

Summary

House Bill 2832 establishes a new legislative protocol that requires state agencies to secure approval from the comptroller of public accounts before accepting any federal funds. This bill amends the Government Code by adding Chapter 2118, detailing the processes for requesting and receiving federal financial assistance. It defines a state agency broadly, encompassing all entities within the state government, which includes institutions of higher education. The intent is to create a more accountable and systematic approach to managing federal funds, ensuring that all conditions and limitations tied to such funding are appropriately examined by the state before acceptance.

Contention

While proponents of HB 2832 argue that the bill will foster better oversight and management of federal money, critics may raise concerns about the bureaucratic hurdles it introduces. They might argue that additional layers of approval could hinder state agencies' agility in responding to funding opportunities, especially in emergency situations where timely access to federal funds is crucial. Legislative discussions around the bill are likely to reflect a broader debate about the balance between state sovereignty and the necessity of federal assistance, as well as the appropriate level of oversight in the acceptance of federal money.