Relating to the determination by a state agency that an area in this state is a rural area.

HB 5236 requires Texas state agencies to consider four specific factors when determining if an area qualifies as "rural": economic need (like high unemployment or low income), healthcare access (including hospital and mental health services), infrastructure (roads, transit, internet), and education quality (student poverty, resources, funding). This applies directly to state agencies administering programs that use rural designations, such as those distributing infrastructure grants or healthcare funding. The bill mandates these factors be evaluated in addition to existing legal requirements. It takes effect September 1, 2025.