Relating to the eligibility of certain local governmental entities affected by the realignment of defense worker jobs or facilities to receive grants.

HB 561 expands eligibility for state grants to specific local entities affected by defense job or facility realignments. It adds seven categories to the existing grant program, including municipalities/county defense communities, regional planning commissions with defense communities, public junior colleges in defense areas, Texas State Technical College campuses in defense communities, defense base development authorities, political subdivisions with similar authority, and municipal utilities in defense communities. The bill amends Government Code Section 436.201(a) to include these entities as eligible for existing grants. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, allowing these local governments to access funding support during defense-related economic transitions.