Legislative Services

Agency Relaxes BEAD Rules

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration on June 6 announced significant changes to the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The agency removed fiber-optic preferences in favor of a technology-neutral approach and eased labor, environmental and net neutrality rules.

States have 90 days to revise plans and open a new “Benefit of the Bargain” subgrantee application process.

EPA Extends PFAS Comment Period

The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period to Aug. 14 for its draft risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge, the National Association of Counties reported this month. The agency also launched a nationwide outreach initiative to help small and rural water systems comply with drinking water standards.

PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are used in products such as nonstick coatings, food packaging and firefighting foam. They resist environmental breakdown and have been linked to certain cancers, reproductive harm and other health risks.

EDA Opens $1.45 Billion Disaster Grants

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has opened applications for a $1.45 billion supplemental grant program to aid recovery from federally declared disasters in 2023 and 2024. Grant amounts range from $250,000 to $50 million across three funding categories: readiness, implementation and industry transformation.

The deadline for industry transformation grants is March 3, 2026; other applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Submissions must go through EDA’s EDGE portal. For more details or help with the application process, contact Texas’ EDA representatives.

NACo Seeks End to SALT Cap

The National Association of Counties is urging Congress to fully restore the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. NACo data collected from 2022 shows the $10,000 cap continues to burden homeowners and local governments.

The cap expires Dec. 31. The budget reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House in May would raise the cap to $40,000, pending Senate approval.

NACo has created an interactive map showing the county-by-county impact. Explore it here.

FEMA Offers $396 Million in Fire Safety Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has made $396 million in fire safety grants available under its FY 2024 programs. This includes $360 million in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants and $36 million for the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) program.

Applications are due July 1.

Former U.S. Rep. Farenthold Dies at 63

Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold died June 20 at a Corpus Christi hospital from heart and liver ailments, according to news reports. He was 63.

A Republican, Farenthold served in Congress from 2011 until resigning in 2018. He also hosted a local radio show.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.