Bill > HB232

This bill establishes a Disaster Recovery Fund in Texas to provide financial assistance to state residents who suffer losses from severe weather events when federal disaster relief is insufficient. The fund will be administered by the state division and can be composed of legislative appropriations, federal grants, donations, and interest earnings. Eligible claimants (Texas residents who have suffered personal injury, financial loss, or property damage from a qualifying weather event like floods, hurricanes, fires, or tornadoes) can apply for compensation within two years of the event. Compensation may cover expenses such as property repairs, medical costs, temporary housing, lost wages, and other recovery-related expenses. The division will review applications within 60 days and can establish maximum compensation limits, prioritizing claims based on demonstrated need and event severity. Claimants are ineligible if they intentionally contributed to their loss or can be fully reimbursed by insurance or other assistance programs. The fund aims to provide a state-level safety net for residents impacted by natural disasters, supplementing existing federal and insurance resources. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to develop implementation procedures.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB232