Relating to a grant program to provide financial assistance to municipalities and counties that use helicopters to respond to disasters.

HB 272 creates a state grant program to reimburse Texas municipalities and counties for helicopter operation costs when responding to multi-county disasters. The comptroller of public accounts will administer the program, covering expenses like fuel and maintenance for locally owned helicopters used during declared emergencies. Eligible entities cannot receive more than $750,000 annually in grants and must certify they aren’t also receiving federal or state funds for the same costs. The program requires standardized applications, spending deadlines, and procedures for monitoring funds, with rules to be established by May 1, 2026.