Legislative Services

Gov. Greg Abbott ceremonially signed two bills on Sept. 9 aimed at strengthening health care and emergency medical services in rural Texas.

House Bill 3000 creates a state grant program to help rural counties purchase ambulances. Counties with populations under 10,000 may receive up to $500,000, while those with populations between 10,000 and 68,750 are eligible for up to $350,000. The program, administered by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, launches Jan. 1.

Read more about HB 3000 in the County magazine article, “Texas takes action on EMS.”

House Bill 18, the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, establishes four grant programs to help rural hospitals secure state and federal funding. Grants will be awarded based on financial risk, disaster recovery needs and innovative care proposals.

Both bills passed during the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature.

Abbott signed the measures during the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals Fall Conference & Trade Show in Austin, emphasizing the state’s commitment to rural communities.

“The hardworking people in rural Texas provide the food, fuel and fiber that all Texans depend on,” Abbott said. “It is essential that we do more for rural Texas and rural health care.”