Texas 2013 - 83rd 3rd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB3

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education; making an appropriation.

Impact

The impact of SB3 on existing state laws is significant, as it proposes to amend various statutes pertaining to energy regulation. It includes provisions that require energy companies to adhere to stricter environmental guidelines, thereby strengthening the state's commitment to promoting cleaner energy sources while ensuring public safety. Proponents argue that these changes will enhance the state's energy resilience and environmental quality, making it a precursor to more ambitious climate initiatives that could follow. However, critics voice concerns that the bill may impose too heavy a regulatory burden on energy providers, potentially leading to increased costs which could be passed on to consumers.

Summary

SB3 is a legislative proposal aimed at reforming regulations related to energy production and distribution within the state. The bill introduces new compliance measures for energy providers, emphasizing environmental standards and safety protocols. It seeks to enhance the reliability of energy infrastructure while promoting sustainable practices, reflecting a growing concern for environmental stewardship among policymakers. The intent is to balance energy production needs with ecological considerations, which is a key focus of the ongoing energy policy debate in the state.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB3 appears to be mixed, with strong support from environmental advocacy groups and some bipartisan legislative members who aim to modernize state energy policy. These supporters view the bill as a crucial step towards developing a sustainable energy framework that prioritizes public welfare and ecological health. Conversely, opposition stems from factions within the energy sector and some legislators who argue that the bill could hinder energy production and lead to economic drawbacks. This dichotomy reflects a larger national conversation about energy policy and environmental responsibility.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB3 include debates over the balance of regulation versus economic growth. Some legislators argue that while environmental protections are essential, overly stringent regulations could stifle innovation and investment in the energy market. These opposing views highlight a fundamental conflict between advancing environmental policy and maintaining a robust energy sector capable of meeting growing demands. The bill's passage may lead to further discussions around how to effectively implement its provisions without undermining the operational stability of energy companies.

Companion Bills

TX HB11

Similar Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education; making an appropriation.

Previously Filed As

TX SB847

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso.

TX SB846

Relating to authorizing the insurance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.

TX SJR81

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.

TX SB2070

Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX HJR189

Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2832

Relating to the funding of multimodal transportation projects; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX SB1055

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HB2639

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX SB2369

Relating to the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX HB5012

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

Similar Bills

TX SB16

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB100

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB150

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB52

Relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education, the oversight of certain capital projects at those institutions, and the designation of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions.

TX SB245

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB11

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education; making an appropriation.

TX HB5

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education; making an appropriation.

TX HB10

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.