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.