Budget & Taxes (Emergency Management)

HB 5 allocates $324 million in supplemental funds from Texas' economic stabilization fund for disaster relief and preparedness. It provides $200 million to match federal disaster aid and support state disaster funds, $50 million for flood warning systems and equipment in 27 counties affected by a July 2025 flood declaration, and $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood management in the Texas Hill Country. An additional $50 million is contingent on passing related legislation about emergency communication systems. The bill directly affects local governments in designated counties and state agencies managing disaster response.

HB 232 establishes a Texas state disaster recovery fund to provide financial assistance when federal disaster aid falls short. The fund, administered by the state division, is financed through state appropriations, federal grants, donations, and interest earnings. It directly helps Texas residents (or those covering their recovery costs) who suffer property damage, medical expenses, temporary housing needs, or lost wages after qualifying weather events like floods or hurricanes. Compensation requires a claim submitted within two years of the disaster, with funds used strictly for eligible recovery expenses as defined in the bill.