The Texas Senate Committee on Finance convened on May 25, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at supporting rural ambulance services and enhancing the Texas Water Fund.

The meeting began with the introduction of Senate Bill 1377, sponsored by Senator Perry, which proposes a $90 million grant program to assist qualified ambulance service providers in rural counties with populations under 68,000. This funding is intended to help these providers purchase new ambulances. Senator Perry confirmed that the bill remains unchanged from its previous discussions, with the allocated funds accounted for in Article 9 of Senate Bill 1. The committee voted unanimously, with 13 ayes and no nays, to report House Bill 3000, the House companion to Senate Bill 1377, favorably to the full Senate.

In addition to the ambulance funding, the committee reviewed a committee substitute for House Joint Resolution 7, also sponsored by Senator Perry. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allocate a portion of revenue from state sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund. Key changes to the resolution include extending the initial term of funding from 16 years to 20 years and adjusting the allocation method from a constitutional amendment to a statutory framework. This change allows for a more flexible approach to funding distribution while ensuring that the allocation remains tied to legislative oversight.

The committee also removed provisions that would have allowed the legislature to alter the funding dedication significantly and established that any spending of the allocated funds during a state of disaster would require legislative approval. These adjustments aim to enhance accountability and ensure that funding decisions are made with careful consideration of Texas's water needs.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the committee's commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs in rural areas and ensuring sustainable water management in Texas. The next steps involve further consideration by the full Senate, where these measures will be debated and voted upon.