Bill > SB868

This bill modifies the Government Code to require that at least 10 percent of appropriations from the volunteer fire department assistance fund be allocated specifically to volunteer fire departments located in areas of Texas classified as high-risk for large wildfires by the relevant service. If the departments in these high-risk areas do not request the full allocated amount during a state fiscal year, the remaining funds can be reallocated to other types of assistance requests. The provision will apply only to appropriations made from the volunteer fire department assistance fund on or after the bill's effective date, which is September 1, 2025. This change aims to ensure that fire departments in regions most vulnerable to significant wildfire risks receive targeted financial support, while maintaining flexibility in fund allocation if the full amount is not needed by high-risk departments.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB868