The bill proposes the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Fund within the Texas Government Code, specifically under a new Subchapter M. This fund aims to provide compensation to residents affected by natural disasters when federal assistance is insufficient. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms such as "claimant," "fund," and "qualifying weather event," and establishes the criteria for eligibility for compensation. It specifies that claimants must submit applications within two years of the qualifying event and details the types of expenses that can be compensated, including property repairs, medical expenses, and temporary housing costs.
Additionally, the bill delineates the sources of funding for the Disaster Recovery Fund, which include legislative appropriations, federal grants, and donations. It mandates that the division responsible for administering the fund must approve or deny claims within 60 days of receiving a completed application, while also allowing for prioritization of claims based on need. The bill also grants the division the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()