Bill > HB2054

This bill modifies the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program by changing how insurers are assessed to fund the program and how funds are allocated. Specifically, the bill removes a previous $30 million cap on assessments and instead allows the comptroller to assess insurers for the exact amount appropriated in the General Appropriations Act for the volunteer fire department assistance fund, excluding certain retirement system contributions. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least 10% of the appropriations in a state fiscal year must be allocated to assist volunteer fire departments in areas deemed high-risk for large wildfires. If the requested assistance from these high-risk areas is less than the allocated amount, the remaining funds can be used for other types of assistance requests. The changes aim to provide more flexible and targeted financial support for rural volunteer fire departments, with a particular focus on regions prone to significant wildfire risks. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2054