Public Funds and Financing - As enacted, authorizes use of the Hurricane Helene interest payment fund to pay local governments' loan charges; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9 and Title 58.

HB 1278 creates a $200 million Hurricane Helene disaster recovery fund to assist counties and households affected by flooding from Hurricane Helene. The fund provides fixed grants to counties based on 2020 census population ranges (e.g., $15 million for counties with 17,900-18,000 residents) for infrastructure repairs and general flood-related expenses. It also allocates $100 million for direct household assistance to cover property repairs, replacement of personal items, rent, and utilities, distributed through county offices based on need. Funds must remain dedicated to recovery efforts and cannot revert to the general state budget.