AUSTIN, TX – Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recently announced that nearly $126 million in financial assistance has been delivered to rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices across the state as part of a grant program assisting rural areas.

Enacted by Senate Bill 22 during the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, the grant program provides financial assistance to sheriff's departments, constable's offices, and district and county attorney's offices in eligible counties to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people's interests throughout the state. Specifically, the grant program allows the Comptroller’s office to administer the Rural Sheriff’s Department Salary Assistance Grant, the Rural Constable’s Office Salary Assistance Grant, and the Rural Prosecutor’s Office Salary Assistance Grant. The Legislature appropriated $330 million for the 2024-25 biennium to fund the grant program.

The following awards were granted to law enforcement and prosecutor offices in Senate District 20:

• Brooks County – Sheriff Grant Award: $250,000
• Brooks County – County Attorney Grant Award: $100,000
• Jim Wells, Brooks Counties – District Attorney Grant Award: $175,000
• Jim Wells County – Sheriff Grant Award: $350,000
• Jim Wells County – County Attorney Grant Award: $175,000

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“In Senate Finance Committee hearings, we heard testimony from sheriffs, constables, and prosecutors regarding the vital resources needed for them to continue protecting our communities. By investing in our local law enforcement agencies and prosecutor offices, especially those in rural counties, we are not only strengthening public safety but reinforcing our commitment to supporting the brave men and women who serve and protect us. I thank Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for making this issue a priority last session and Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar for his work on this important issue. I look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have on the communities of Senate District 20.”

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