NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly approved legislation to expand the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF) as the state’s primary disaster relief mechanism.
House Bill 2543, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, creates two new avenues for delivering assistance: one for individuals impacted by disasters and one for local governments and school districts.
“As Tennessee continues to face disasters and rising recovery demands, it’s critical that we have a dependable state response when federal aid falls short or is delayed,” Hicks said. “This legislation ensures our state has the tools to step in quickly to help communities and families recover and rebuild.”
Hicks carried the law that created the GRRF during a special session following Hurricane Helene in 2025 to enable immediate state assistance after disasters, addressing needs like agricultural losses, unemployment and business recovery without waiting for federal approval.
The proposal allows the fund to provide limited assistance to individuals when Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance is unavailable.
“After Hurricane Helene, we saw how hard it was for working families in Northeast Tennessee to get help, and this bill creates a clear path to make sure they aren’t left behind,” Hicks added.
Funds may only be considered for individuals when a state of emergency has been declared, federal aid is unavailable or unlikely, and damage exceeds a certain threshold established by TEMA. The local jurisdiction also must formally request assistance.
It would also support local governments, counties, cities and school districts recovering from disaster-related damage. Funds can be used for essential services, such as debris removal, road and bridge repair, water, and sewer systems, public buildings, equipment and other emergency infrastructure needs.
Grants to local governments may require a cost share based on economic status, with flexibility for the governor to waive those requirements, and projects are generally expected to be completed within 18 months.
House Bill 2543 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Tim Hicks represents District 6 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Washington County.
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