H.B. No. 272 proposes the establishment of a Disaster Response Assistance Grant Program, which will provide financial assistance to municipalities and counties that utilize helicopters in response to multi-county disasters. The bill amends Chapter 140 of the Local Government Code by adding Section 140.015, which outlines the definitions of "disaster" and "grant," and mandates the comptroller to administer the program. The program will reimburse local governments for helicopter operation costs incurred during disaster responses, with eligibility requirements that prevent funding for expenses already covered by federal or state funds.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that no municipality or county can receive more than $750,000 in grants within a calendar year. The comptroller is tasked with creating rules for a standardized application process, deadlines for grant applications and disbursements, and procedures for monitoring and returning unused grant funds. The comptroller must establish this program and its rules by May 1, 2026, and the act will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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