What this is
HB 254 changes which rural counties can get money to rebuild after disasters.
HB 254 is a Texas law that makes it easier for rural areas to get state money for rebuilding after disasters. The bill changes which counties qualify for grants from the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program. This gives communities more support when hurricanes, floods, or other major events cause damage.
The law sets clear rules for which counties can apply. A county qualifies if it has fewer than 100,000 people, damage that exceeds 10 percent of the county's annual sales tax collected, and is located in a disaster area. Counties must also have a gross domestic product under $3 billion and a poverty rate greater than 10 percent. These rules help the program focus on rural areas that face the biggest challenges.
The bill also expands help to other political subdivisions, such as cities or water districts, that are located in qualifying counties. This means more local organizations can access recovery funds. The expanded program recognizes that disasters affect entire regions, not just one county seat.
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HB 254 takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both the Texas House and Senate. If not, it takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends. The law builds on earlier disaster recovery programs and shows Texas's commitment to helping rural communities bounce back strong.
Key details
- Population limit: Less than 100,000 people
- GDP threshold: Less than $3 billion
- Damage threshold: 10 percent of annual county sales taxes
- Poverty rate requirement: Greater than 10 percent
- Effective date: Immediately if approved by two-thirds vote, or 91 days after session ends
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
This is part of Our Neighborhoods — housing, neighborhoods, and shared spaces.
How this affects households
Under $30,000
Families in rural areas hit by disasters can get more help rebuilding their homes and communities. This matters most when you have less savings to cover emergency repairs.
$30,000-$60,000
Rural households can access more disaster recovery funds when storms or floods hit. This helps cover costs that might otherwise strain your budget.
$60,000-$100,000
Rural families get expanded access to state disaster grants, though you may have more personal resources to handle some repairs yourself.
Over $100,000
Rural households gain access to more disaster recovery programs, but higher-income families typically have insurance and savings to cover most disaster costs.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Bill Expands Disaster Recovery Grants for Rural Areas" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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