HB 269

89S20267 MPF-D
		By: Garcia Hernandez
  H.B. No. 269
  A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
  AN ACT
  relating to a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations,
  regional planning commissions, and emergency communication
  districts in the provision of emergency communications services in
  this state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 771, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended by adding Section 771.080 to read as follows:
         Sec. 771.080.  EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES GRANT
  PROGRAM.  (a)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for
  that purpose, the commission shall establish and administer a grant
  program to assist nonprofit organizations, regional planning
  commissions, and emergency communication districts with providing
  emergency communications services, including 9-1-1 service, to end
  users in this state.
         (b)  The commission by rule shall:
               (1)  develop an application process for an entity
  applying for a grant under this section;
               (2)  develop eligibility and selection criteria for an
  entity applying for a grant under this section;
               (3)  develop procedures for commission approval of the
  use of grant money awarded under this section; and
               (4)  establish accountability controls for grant
  recipients to ensure the public purpose of providing emergency
  communications services is accomplished and this state receives a
  return benefit.
         (c)  In addition to money appropriated by the legislature,
  the commission may accept gifts, grants, or donations from any
  source to administer and finance the grant program established
  under this section.
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
  of this Act, the Commission on State Emergency Communications shall
  establish the emergency communications services grant program
  required by Section 771.080, Health and Safety Code, as added by
  this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the
  last day of the legislative session.