The bill, H.B. No. 272, proposes the establishment of a Disaster Response Assistance Grant Program under Section 140.015 of the Local Government Code. This program aims to provide financial assistance to municipalities and counties that utilize helicopters for disaster response, specifically during multi-county disasters. The comptroller of public accounts is tasked with administering the program, which will reimburse eligible local governments for helicopter operation costs. The bill outlines that municipalities and counties cannot receive more than $750,000 in grants per calendar year and must not recover expenses already funded by federal or state sources.

Additionally, the comptroller is required to set eligibility criteria and adopt necessary rules for the program's implementation, including a standardized application process, deadlines for applications and disbursements, and procedures for monitoring and returning unused grant funds. The comptroller must establish the program and its rules by May 1, 2026, and the bill will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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