H.B. No. 430

AN ACT

relating to the criteria and qualifications for distributions under the rural volunteer fire department assistance program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 614.102(c), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) The director shall:

(1) determine reasonable criteria and qualifications for the distribution of money from the volunteer fire department assistance fund, including:

(A) the frequency, size, and severity of past wildfires in a volunteer fire department's jurisdiction;

(B) the potential for loss or damage to property resulting from future wildfires in the department's jurisdiction; [and]

(C) the age of the equipment used by the department; and

(D) the department's need for emergency assistance under Section 614.103(a-1); and

(2) establish a procedure for reporting and processing requests for money from the fund.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 430 was passed by the House on April 14, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 430 was passed by the Senate on May 21, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________

Date

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Governor