The bill, H.B. No. 1781, establishes the Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Grant Program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to county fairs and local rodeos. It introduces Chapter 452 to the Government Code, which includes definitions, the establishment of the Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Fund, and the creation of the Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Board. The fund will be managed by the comptroller and will consist of legislative appropriations, gifts, and interest earned. The board will be responsible for administering the grant program, which will support various needs such as facility maintenance, event programs, personnel salaries, and public health and safety.

The bill outlines the composition and responsibilities of the board, including the appointment of seven members by the governor, who must have relevant experience in rodeos or county fairs. It specifies the eligibility criteria for grant applicants and mandates that the board adopt necessary rules for implementation. Additionally, the board is required to submit a biennial report detailing the fund's status and the economic impact of the grants awarded. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with initial appointments to the board required by January 1, 2026.

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