NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, has proposed legislation to strengthen Tennessee’s ability to respond quickly and responsibly when disasters strike.
House Bill 2543, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, expands the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF) to become the state’s primary mechanism for disaster relief.
“As disasters become more frequent and recovery costs continue to rise, Tennessee must be prepared to respond when federal assistance is unavailable or insufficient,” 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 creates two new avenues for delivering assistance: one for individuals impacted by disasters and one for local governments and school districts.
The fund could 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.
House Bill 2543 is expected to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 25.
Tim Hicks represents District 6 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Washington County.
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