The "Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program" bill establishes a new framework to provide financial assistance to individuals and entities impacted by the July 2025 Hill Country floods. It introduces Chapter 419A to the Government Code, detailing the program's definitions, administration by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and eligibility criteria for awards. Key features include an online application system, a formal appeals process for denied applications, and prioritization of awards based on damage severity and applicant circumstances. The program is subject to review by the Legislative Budget Board every odd-numbered year and is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended.
The bill outlines specific provisions for financial assistance, including reimbursement limits of $25,000 for single-family homes and $50,000 for commercial structures, while emphasizing the use of flood-resistant materials and elevated structures for full reimbursement. It also details eligibility for personal property losses, particularly for tenants, with a cap of $25,000 per household for essential personal property. Funding for the program will come from legislative appropriations and donations, alongside measures to prevent fraud, such as reporting to the attorney general and imposing civil penalties for fraudulent claims.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()