88R16333 MP-D By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4770 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a grant program for municipal pedestrian infrastructure administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter K, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER K. [HOUSING] PROGRAMS SECTION 2. Subchapter K, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2306.2595 to read as follows: Sec. 2306.2595. PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM. (a) In this section: (1) "Grant" means financial assistance that is awarded in the form of money to a municipality for a specific purpose and that is not required to be repaid. For purposes of this section, the term includes a forgivable loan. (2) "Grant fund" means the pedestrian infrastructure grant fund. (b) The grant fund is a dedicated account in the general revenue fund and consists of: (1) appropriations of money to the grant fund by the legislature; (2) gifts, grants, including federal grants, and other donations received for the grant fund; and (3) interest earned on the investment of money in the grant fund. (c) The department shall award grants to municipalities to construct pedestrian infrastructure related to sidewalks, curbs, or pedestrian lighting. (d) The grant fund may be used by the department only to: (1) award grants under this section; and (2) administer the grant program under this section. (e) The department shall adopt rules necessary to administer this section. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.