The 89th Legislative Session will begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Use this page to learn more about the general happenings and specific issues that TLMA is advocating on.

BILLS BEING HEARD THIS WEEK! 

Tuesday, 3/11 at 8 a.m., SB 1172 by Senator Charles Perry will be heard in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. This bill is the result of an Attorney General opinion that stated you must be an attorney to negotiate a wind or solar lease. This bill will exempt transactions for “other energy sources” as defined in the bill from requiring an attorney to negotiate. TLMA filed a card of support.

Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., HB 143 and HB 144 by Chairman Ken King are being heard in the House State Affairs Committee. HB 143 codifies an MOU between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission regarding discovery and notification of an electrical condition that does not meet the National Electrical Code standards. HB 144 creates a requirement for electric utilities to develop a management and inspection plan for electric distribution poles. The plan must be submitted to the PUC for approval with updates every 3 years. Both bills are a result of the 2024 panhandle wildfires, but apply statewide. TLMA filed cards of support. 

Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hear SB 1150 by Senator Mayes Middleton. This bill is an effort to combat the inactive well issue in Texas. It creates a timeline for plugging inactive wells, and creates a process for an operator to request the RRC approve a compliance plan for not plugging the inactive wells. The bill requires the RRC to submit an annual report on inactive wells to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and each member of the legislature. Finally, SB 1150 requires the RRC to adopt rule requirements for inactive wells. TLMA testified neutrally on the bill. 

If you would like to watch any of the hearings, click the following links for the House and Senate.

Things that have happened during the legislative session:

February 13, 2025 - Speaker Burrows releases House committee assignments (by committee) (by member)
February 2, 2025 - Governor Abbott gives State of the State address, announces emergency items
January 29, 2025 - Lt. Governor Patrick releases first set of priorities for session. 
January 17, 2025 - Lt. Governor Patrick releases Senate committee assignments.
January 14, 2025 - Legislature begins. Representative Dustin Burrows elected Speaker. 
January 13, 2025 - Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases 2026-2027 Biennial Revenue Estimate

The Texas Tribune hosts many events and conversations with various political leaders. To view their full calendar of events, click here. TLMA does not support or endorse any of the articles or information they present, we are providing this as an informational opportunity.

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