This session, Texas House Republicans have taken the lead on disaster response policy to prepare for statewide emergencies and strengthen our energy grid against severe weather. Here’s a look at the big victories so far this session:
#HB3 by state Rep. Dustin Burrows is Texas’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic; it protects citizens from unnecessary government overreach during a pandemic by giving protections to places of worship, businesses, and private citizens. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB3
#HB10 by state Rep. Chris Paddie gives the Legislature and the Governor more direct control over the PUC by allowing the Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor to make PUC appointments and requiring PUC Commissioners to be residents of the state. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB10
#HB11 by state Rep. Chris Paddie ensures that electric service providers in the ERCOT region are prepared for extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB11
#HB13 by state Rep. Chris Paddie creates the Texas Energy Disaster Reliability Council, designed to prevent extended power outages due to weather emergencies. Read more about the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB13
#HB1510 by state Rep. Will Metcalf provides the funding mechanism necessary to ensure winterization of Texas’ power grids. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1510
#HB14 by state Rep. Craig Goldman creates the Texas Electricity Supply Chain Mapping Committee, designed to map and identify critical infrastructural sources throughout the state to prevent power outages during a weather emergency. Read more about the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB13
#HB1520 by state Rep. Chris Paddie authorizes the issuance of bonds to provide rate relief to electricity customers statewide. Read more about the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1520
For more on Republican victories in the Texas House, click on the article links below.