89R3688 MP-D     By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 784       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a grant program for municipal pedestrian infrastructure   administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community   Affairs.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  The heading to Subchapter K, Chapter 2306,   Government Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER K.  HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS          SECTION 2.  Subchapter K, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2306.2595 to read as follows:          Sec. 2306.2595.  PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM. (a)  In   this section:                (1)  "Grant" means financial assistance that is awarded   in the form of money to a municipality for a specific purpose and   that is not required to be repaid.  For purposes of this section,   the term includes a forgivable loan.                (2)  "Grant fund" means the pedestrian infrastructure   grant fund.          (b)  The department shall award grants to municipalities to   construct pedestrian infrastructure related to sidewalks, curbs,   or pedestrian lighting.  The department may only award a grant under   a contract between the department and a grant recipient that   includes provisions under which the department is given sufficient   control to ensure the public purpose of protecting the safety of the   public is accomplished and the state receives the return benefit.          (c)  The grant fund is a dedicated account in the general   revenue fund and consists of:                (1)  appropriations of money to the grant fund by the   legislature;                (2)  gifts, grants, including federal grants, and other   donations received for the grant fund; and                (3)  interest earned on the investment of money in the   grant fund.          (d)  The grant fund may be used by the department only to:                (1)  award grants under this section; and                (2)  administer the grant program under this section.          (e)  Section 403.0956 does not apply to the grant fund.          (f)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to   administer this section.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.