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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in |
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the provision of emergency communications services in this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 771, Health and Safety |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 771.080 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 771.080. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES GRANT |
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PROGRAM. (a) From money appropriated or otherwise available for |
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the purpose, the commission shall establish and administer a grant |
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program to assist nonprofit organizations in the provision of |
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emergency communications services, including 9-1-1 service, to end |
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users in this state. |
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(b) The commission by rule shall: |
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(1) develop an application process for a nonprofit |
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organization applying for a grant under this section; |
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(2) develop eligibility and selection criteria for a |
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nonprofit organization applying for a grant under this section; |
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(3) develop procedures for commission approval of the |
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use of grant money awarded under this section; and |
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(4) establish accountability controls for grant |
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recipients to ensure the public purpose of providing emergency |
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communications services is accomplished and this state receives a |
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return benefit. |
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(c) In addition to money appropriated by the legislature, |
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the commission may accept gifts, grants, or donations from any |
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source to administer and finance the grant program established |
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under this section. |
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SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date |
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of this Act, the Commission on State Emergency Communications shall |
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establish the emergency communications services grant program |
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required by Section 771.080, Health and Safety Code, as added by |
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this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the |
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last day of the legislative session. |