Texas House Bill HB400

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the security of the electric grid.

Impact

The implementation of HB 400 is expected to strengthen the state's ability to protect its electric infrastructure from a variety of emergent threats. By requiring the council to report on its findings and recommendations regularly to the legislature, the bill facilitates ongoing evaluation and enhancement of grid security measures. This proactive approach will enable Texas to better prepare for and respond to potential vulnerabilities that could affect the state's energy supply and overall public safety.

Summary

House Bill 400 is aimed at enhancing the security of the electric grid in Texas. This legislation introduces the creation of a Grid Security Council, which will be responsible for monitoring various threats to the electric grid, including cyber and physical threats, adverse weather conditions, and potential sabotage. The council will comprise representatives from several key state departments, including the Texas Military Department, the Division of Emergency Management, and power generation companies, ensuring that a wide range of expertise is utilized in addressing these critical security issues.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding the bill could involve the degree of agency involvement and resource allocation towards the initiatives advised by the Grid Security Council. Balancing the interests of the public utility sector with the necessary investments in security-enhancing measures could lead to debates regarding the best use of state funds and priorities. Stakeholders from various sectors might push for different levels of intervention and legislative support, highlighting the challenge of integrating security measures into existing operational frameworks.