A provision in HB201 opens grant funding for physical security upgrades—but most shop owners don't know it exists.
Most Texas auto service owners don't realize that state grant money became available on September 1, 2025, to help pay for security equipment they likely need anyway. It's buried in HB201, a bill about financial crimes, and it directly affects how you can fund locks, cameras, and lighting upgrades.
HB201 amended Section 2312.102(b) of the Texas Occupations Code to create a grant program through the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. The key provision: qualifying small businesses—particularly fuel retailers and merchants—can now use state grant funds to purchase or upgrade physical security equipment.
This isn't theoretical. If your shop qualifies, you can apply for grant money specifically to cover the cost of:
For auto services, this matters because security infrastructure is a real capital expense. Most shops absorb these costs themselves. A state grant reduces or eliminates that out-of-pocket burden while helping you meet fraud deterrence and loss prevention goals.
The grant program targets merchants and small businesses that meet criteria set by the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Fuel retailers are specifically named as eligible, and the language is broad enough to include auto service operations, particularly those handling fuel, payment processing, or high-value transactions.
You won't automatically qualify—you'll need to apply and meet the program's requirements. But if you operate an auto service in Texas, especially one with fuel pumps or a retail component, it's worth investigating whether your business fits the definition.
The provision took effect September 1, 2025. That means the grant program is already active, though details about application windows, funding amounts, and specific eligibility criteria should be available through the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center or your state licensing authority.
If you've been planning security upgrades—new camera systems, better lighting in service bays, upgraded locks on fuel access points—this is the moment to pause and check whether grant funding could cover part or all of that cost. Timing your project with the grant application cycle could mean significant savings.
Contact your state licensing board or the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center directly to confirm eligibility and learn about the application process. Have documentation ready about your business type, location, and any existing security infrastructure. If you've already budgeted for security upgrades, you may be able to redirect those funds elsewhere while grants cover the equipment.
This provision was designed to reduce fraud and improve merchant security statewide. Taking advantage of it isn't a loophole—it's exactly what the program intends.
Source: HB201, Section 5, amending Texas Occupations Code Section 2312.102(b), effective September 1, 2025.