88R13858 DIO-D
By: Murr H.B. No. 4574
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of an interim committee to study
large-scale battery storage.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "large-scale battery
storage" includes:
(1) utility-scale or grid-scale storage of electric
energy using batteries for connection to electric power generation
or transmission and distribution networks to provide for
flexibility in electric power systems and optimal use of electric
energy resources;
(2) storage of electric energy using batteries to
provide electric power to large industrial, office, or other
facilities or to residential communities; and
(3) electric energy storage using equipment or
facilities described by Subchapter E, Chapter 35, Utilities Code,
to the extent the facilities employ battery technology.
SECTION 2. INTERIM COMMITTEE; STUDY AND REPORT. (a) An
interim committee is established to study large-scale battery
storage.
(b) The study must consider:
(1) current statutes, regulations, and ordinances
regarding large-scale battery storage in this state;
(2) the status of state oversight and regulation of
large-scale battery storage, including by the Public Utility
Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,
the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state
agencies;
(3) fire safety standards for large-scale battery
storage; and
(4) building code standards for large-scale battery
storage.
(c) The interim committee shall be composed of members
appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The
members must include:
(1) members of the house of representatives;
(2) two individuals to represent the large-scale
battery storage industry; and
(3) two members of the general public.
(d) The speaker of the house of representatives shall
designate a member of the interim committee to serve as the chair of
the committee.
(e) The interim committee has all other powers and duties
provided to a special committee by the rules of the house of
representatives, by Subchapter B, Chapter 301, Government Code, and
by policies of the House Committee on Administration.
(f) Not later than January 1, 2025, the joint interim
committee shall report the committee's findings and
recommendations to the governor and the members of the legislature.
The report must include recommendations for best practices to
address public safety concerns regarding the location and operation
of large-scale battery storage.
SECTION 3. EXPIRATION; ABOLITION OF COMMITTEE. The interim
committee established by Section 2 of this Act is abolished and this
Act expires January 10, 2025.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2023.