BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1252 89R16423 CS-F By: Schwertner Business & Commerce 3/11/2025 Committee Report (Substituted) AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Currently, unincorporated areas of Texas allow for an efficient, permit-free installation process for residential battery energy resources. However, some municipalities often require numerous permits from multiple departments for installation, leading to inconsistent standards and a fragmented process for installers and homeowners alike. S.B. 1252 removes unnecessary red tape by mirroring the current process in unincorporated areas. S.B. 1252 ensures that all homeowners, regardless of location, enjoy the same uniform process and streamlined access to backup power. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent) C.S.S.B. 1252 amends current law relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 214.211, Local Government Code, by adding Subdivision (6) to define "residential energy backup system." SECTION 2. Amends Section 214.214, Local Government Code, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows: (d) Prohibits a municipality from adopting or enforcing an amendment to the National Electrical Code that would regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system. (e) Provides that Subsection (d) does not limit the authority of a municipally owned utility, as defined by Section 11.003 (Definitions), Utilities Code, to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system within the utility's service area. SECTION 3. Amends the heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 229, Local Government Code, to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER C. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY AND BACKUP ENERGY DEVICES SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 229, Local Government Code, by adding Section 229.102, as follows: Sec. 229.102. REGULATION OF RESIDENTIAL ENERGY BACKUP SYSTEMS. (a) Defines "residential energy backup system." (b) Prohibits a municipality from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, rule, or other measure that would regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system. (c) Provides that this section does not limit the authority of a municipally owned utility, as defined by Section 11.003, Utilities Code, to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system within the utility's service area. SECTION 5. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1252
89R16423 CS-F By: Schwertner
Business & Commerce
3/11/2025
Committee Report (Substituted)
Senate Research Center
C.S.S.B. 1252
89R16423 CS-F
By: Schwertner
Business & Commerce
3/11/2025
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, unincorporated areas of Texas allow for an efficient, permit-free installation process for residential battery energy resources. However, some municipalities often require numerous permits from multiple departments for installation, leading to inconsistent standards and a fragmented process for installers and homeowners alike.
S.B. 1252 removes unnecessary red tape by mirroring the current process in unincorporated areas. S.B. 1252 ensures that all homeowners, regardless of location, enjoy the same uniform process and streamlined access to backup power.
(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)
C.S.S.B. 1252 amends current law relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 214.211, Local Government Code, by adding Subdivision (6) to define "residential energy backup system."
SECTION 2. Amends Section 214.214, Local Government Code, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows:
(d) Prohibits a municipality from adopting or enforcing an amendment to the National Electrical Code that would regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system.
(e) Provides that Subsection (d) does not limit the authority of a municipally owned utility, as defined by Section 11.003 (Definitions), Utilities Code, to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system within the utility's service area.
SECTION 3. Amends the heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 229, Local Government Code, to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER C. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY AND BACKUP ENERGY DEVICES
SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 229, Local Government Code, by adding Section 229.102, as follows:
Sec. 229.102. REGULATION OF RESIDENTIAL ENERGY BACKUP SYSTEMS. (a) Defines "residential energy backup system."
(b) Prohibits a municipality from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, rule, or other measure that would regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system.
(c) Provides that this section does not limit the authority of a municipally owned utility, as defined by Section 11.003, Utilities Code, to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system within the utility's service area.
SECTION 5. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2025.