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 the Local Government Code by adding Section 140.015, which defines key terms such as "disaster" and "grant," and outlines the responsibilities of the comptroller in administering the program. The comptroller will set eligibility requirements for grants, ensuring that municipalities or counties do not receive funding for expenses already covered by federal or state funds. Additionally, there is a cap of $750,000 on the amount a municipality or county can receive in grants within a calendar year.

The bill also mandates the comptroller to adopt necessary rules for implementing the program, including establishing a standardized application process, deadlines for grant applications and disbursements, and procedures for monitoring compliance and returning unused funds. The comptroller is required to have the program established and rules in place by May 1, 2026. The act will take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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