82R3368 ACP-D
By: Carona S.B. No. 781
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the functions and responsibilities of certain
legislative oversight committees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 39.907(e), (g), (i), and (k), Utilities
Code, are amended to read as follows:
(e) The committee shall:
(1) at the call of the joint chairs, meet [at least
annually] with the commission;
(2) receive information about rules relating to
electric utility restructuring proposed by the commission and may
submit comments to the commission on those proposed rules;
(3) review recommendations for legislation proposed
by the commission;
(4) monitor the effectiveness of electric utility
restructuring, including the fairness of rates, the reliability of
service, and the effect of stranded costs, market power, and
regulation on the normal forces of competition; and
(5) study and seek policies to ensure that fuel
resources available to the state are used in a balanced and
efficient manner and consider the reliability, economic viability,
and environmental impact of new fuels and generation technologies.
(g) At the times the committee considers appropriate [Not
later than November 15 of each even-numbered year], the committee
may [shall] report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and
speaker of the house of representatives on the committee's
activities under Subsection (e). If the committee submits a report
under this subsection, the [The] report shall include:
(1) an analysis of any problems caused by electric
utility restructuring; and
(2) recommendations of any legislative action
necessary to address those problems and to further retail
competition within the electric power industry.
(i) In addition to the duties under Subsection (e), the
committee may, at the call of the joint chairs, [shall] meet [at
least twice annually] to encourage cooperation and coordination
with the following entities:
(1) the commission;
(2) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;
(3) the Railroad Commission of Texas;
(4) the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; and
(5) the office of the comptroller of public accounts.
(k) At the times the committee considers appropriate [Not
later than November 15 of each even-numbered year], the committee
may [shall] report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and
the speaker of the house of representatives on the committee's
activities under Subsection (j).
SECTION 2. Sections 65.252(a) and (g), Utilities Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) The committee may, at the call of the chair, [shall]
conduct joint public hearings with the commission [at least
annually] regarding the introduction of full competition to
telecommunications services in this state.
(g) At the times the committee considers appropriate [Not
later than November 15 of each even-numbered year], the committee
may [shall] report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and
speaker of the house of representatives on the committee's
activities under this subchapter. If the committee submits a
report under this subsection, the [The] report must include:
(1) an analysis of any problems caused by
telecommunications deregulation; and
(2) recommendations for any legislative action
necessary to address those problems and to further competition
within the telecommunications industry.
SECTION 3. Chapter 1801, Insurance Code, is repealed.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.