Organizations across Texas will have access to at least $353.3 million for a variety of public safety initiatives as soon as Sept. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 10, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a collection of grants that are meant to support public safety programs and services. In a news release, he said the funds will be available during fiscal year 2023-24, which begins Sept. 1. Texas is in FY 2022-23.

The Governor’s Public Safety Office will administer the grants with the help of local and state agencies, according to the release. These include Texas’ 24 Councils of Governments and the Urban Area Working Groups in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Grants will be available for the following initiatives:


  • $4.6 million for bullet resistant vests for law enforcement;


  • $375,000 for local Texas Crime Stoppers organizations;


  • $624,000 to help local district attorneys pay for the forensic analysis of evidence;


  • $60 million for homeland security, including terrorism prevention and community preparedness;


  • $25.3 million to help human trafficking survivors, including advocacy services and case investigation;


  • $1 million to prevent and investigate online crimes against children;


  • $15.6 million to “promote public safety, reduce crime and improve the criminal justice system” through equipment, training, personnel increases and more;


  • $8.2 million to prevent violence in schools, reduce truancy and improve the juvenile justice system;


  • $5.4 million to support local law enforcement along the Texas-Mexico border;


  • $10 million for increased security at nonprofit organizations and religious entities;


  • $1.6 million to help improve forensic and medical examiner services, including those related to the opioid epidemic;


  • $1.2 million to reduce violent crime, gang activity and the use of firearms in neighborhoods;


  • $3.1 million for residential substance abuse treatment in correctional and detention facilities;


  • $1.5 million for sexual assault forensic exams in medical centers;


  • $193.8 million to help crime victims and “improve the justice system’s response to violent crimes against women”;


  • $804,000 to help local law enforcement agencies pay for forensic analysis in sex-related cases, including those regarding sexual assault;


  • $8.1 million for treatment, case management and other services to help those with substance abuse or mental health issues who have committed crimes; and


  • $12.1 million for state and regional emergency radio communication systems.




Funding for the grants comes from both federal and state money, according to the release.