Bill > HB561

This bill modifies the Government Code to expand the list of local governmental entities eligible to receive grants related to defense community realignment. Specifically, the bill adds municipally owned utilities that operate as retail public utilities within a defense community to the existing list of eligible entities. A "defense community" typically refers to a local area significantly impacted by military base closures, realignments, or substantial changes in defense-related jobs and facilities. The current eligible entities already include municipalities, counties, regional planning commissions, public junior college districts, Texas State Technical College campuses, defense base development authorities, and political subdivisions with similar authority. The new provision allows municipally owned utility providers in these defense-impacted areas to also qualify for grants, potentially helping them address economic challenges stemming from defense industry changes. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving local entities ample time to prepare for the expanded grant eligibility.

Business and Industry, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB561