The bill, S.B. No. 1651, amends the Local Government Code to enhance the rural sheriff's office salary assistance grant program. It specifies the grant amounts based on county population and the presence of significant critical infrastructure. Counties with populations under 10,000 can receive $250,000, while those with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, or those with significant critical infrastructure, can receive $350,000. Additionally, counties with populations of 50,000 to 300,000 can receive $500,000 if they also have significant critical infrastructure.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the comptroller in administering the grant program, including establishing a standardized application process, setting deadlines for applications and disbursements, and monitoring compliance. Notably, it introduces new standards to determine what constitutes significant critical infrastructure, considering factors such as importance, value, and size. The changes will apply to grants awarded during fiscal years beginning on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 130.911 (Local Government Code 130)