Bill > HB784

This bill establishes a new Pedestrian Infrastructure Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), which will create a dedicated grant fund to help municipalities improve pedestrian safety infrastructure. The program will allow TDHCA to award grants to cities specifically for constructing pedestrian-related infrastructure such as sidewalks, curbs, and pedestrian lighting. The grant fund will be supported by legislative appropriations, gifts, federal grants, and investment interest, and can only be used to award grants and administer the program. Grants are defined broadly to include financial assistance and forgivable loans, and the department must ensure that each grant contract includes provisions protecting public safety and providing a return benefit to the state. The bill also specifies that the grant fund will be exempt from certain standard state accounting rules, and requires TDHCA to develop necessary administrative rules. The program is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving the department time to prepare implementation guidelines.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB784