The bill proposes the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Fund within the Texas Government Code, specifically under a new Subchapter M. The purpose of this fund is to provide compensation to Texas residents who suffer losses due to natural disasters when federal assistance is insufficient. The bill defines key terms such as "claimant," "fund," and "qualifying weather event," and outlines the eligibility criteria for claimants seeking compensation. It specifies that the fund will consist of various sources of revenue, including legislative appropriations, federal grants, donations, and interest earned on the fund's balance.
Additionally, the bill details the process for claim submission, including the necessary documentation and the timeline for claim approval or denial by the division responsible for administering the fund. It also establishes guidelines for the types of expenses that can be compensated, such as property repairs, medical expenses, and temporary housing costs. The division is granted the authority to prioritize claims based on need and severity, and it may set maximum compensation limits for different categories of claims. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()