H.B. No. 1646 amends Section 775.073(b) of the Health and Safety Code, which pertains to the financial authority of emergency services district employees. The bill raises the threshold for expenditures that can be made without board approval from $2,000 to $50,000. This means that any expenditure exceeding $50,000 will require presentation to and approval from the board, provided that the employee has executed a bond equivalent to the amount required for the district treasurer to disburse funds.

The changes enacted by this bill will only apply to purchases made on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any purchases made prior to this date will continue to be governed by the previous law, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 775.073 (Health and Safety Code 775)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 775.073 (Health and Safety Code 775)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 775.073 (Health and Safety Code 775)