Texas House Bill HB2564

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/7/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/25
• Voted on by House: 5/8/25
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/25
• Voted on by Senate: 5/22/25
• Governor Action: 6/20/25

Caption

Relating to the evaluation of Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant applications.

Impact

If enacted, HB2564 would amend various provisions in the Government Code, primarily aiming to improve how the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance program operates. This legislation intends to contribute positively to local economic development by ensuring that grants are awarded based on detailed evaluations. Additionally, the bill seeks to solidify the expectation that no grant will be provided unless there is a legislative appropriation, which could necessitate closer alignment between grant funding and state budget processes. This ensures that only thoroughly vetted projects receive financial backing, thereby aiming to fortify the local economies affected by changes in military operations or defense contracts.

Summary

House Bill 2564 is focused on the evaluation process for Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant applications in Texas. The bill aims to define and streamline the criteria under which these grant applications from local governmental entities are assessed. By introducing a formal evaluation panel composed of appointed professionals from the governor's office, the legislation seeks to ensure that applicants are scored based on the significance of their proposed projects with respect to local economic impact. This change is expected to enhance the transparency and fairness of the grant awarding process, providing a standardized approach across various applications.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB2564 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders acknowledge the bill’s intentions to bolster local governmental capacities through enhanced evaluation mechanisms, which is generally viewed positively. However, there are concerns regarding the potential bureaucratic complications that may arise from the new evaluation structure. While proponents believe that the bill will lead to more strategically sound investments in local projects, critics fear that an overly rigid evaluation process could overlook smaller but impactful initiatives that may not score highly against the new criteria.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB2564 originates from discussions over the nature of local control and how state interventions might impact specific local needs. Opponents argue that while standardizing evaluations could improve some aspects of the process, it may also centralize too much control within the state government. There are worries that the new evaluation panel may not fully represent the unique economic landscapes of diverse regions in Texas. The contention lies in balancing effective oversight with the autonomy of local governments to seek assistance for their particular economic challenges.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 436. Texas Military Preparedness Commission
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