H.B. No. 188 proposes the establishment of the Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, aimed at supporting flood-prone communities in enhancing their emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The bill introduces a new subchapter to Chapter 418 of the Government Code, defining key terms such as "eligible entity," "flood-prone area," and "preparedness project." The fund will be administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and will consist of appropriated money, grants, donations, federal funds, and interest earned. The funds can be utilized for grants to eligible entities for preparedness projects, training, and administrative costs, with a cap on grants set at $500,000 per entity per fiscal year.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the division in administering the grant program, including developing application procedures, evaluating grant applications, and providing technical assistance. It emphasizes the importance of coordination with existing emergency preparedness programs to avoid funding duplication and maximize effectiveness. Additionally, the division is required to submit annual reports detailing the grants awarded and their impact on emergency preparedness in rural areas. The legislation mandates an initial appropriation of $10 million to the fund for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2025, with grant applications expected to be accepted by March 1, 2026.

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