Meeting Summary - 05/09/2025 House State Affairs

▶️2 - SB1566 Bettencourt Posting Rule Suspended

• Chair introduced SB1566 for discussion.
• The bill clarifies utility connection requirements for landowners removed from a municipality's ETJ.
• Originally allowed in 2003, but issues arose with utility service connections.
• SB1566 addresses the issue by creating a specific exemption for planning certificates.

▶️Frances Blake, TAB

• Frances Blake, representing the Texas Association of Builders, gave testimony in support of SB1566.
• The bill addresses a conflict in the local government code related to CCN removal and service provision by cities.
• The bill aims to provide clarity on service rights for landowners affected by CCN removal under SB2038 from the last session.
• No questions were raised by members concerning Frances Blake's testimony.
• No additional testimonies were provided for or against SB1566 by other individuals.
• Chairman Darby is recognized to close the discussion, and the bill SB1566 is left pending without objection.

▶️3 - SB1664 Schwertner Posting Rule Suspended

• Chair introduces SB1664 and recognizes Chair Hall to explain the bill.
• Chair Hall states the bill aims to increase accessibility and transparency for consumers in terms of transmission and distribution utility rates.
• Describes the bill as pro-consumer.
• No questions were posed to Chair Hall.

▶️John Ross Hubbard, TAM

• John Ross Hubbard spoke on behalf of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, supporting SB1664 for increased transparency in utility rate increases.
• Current interim updates on utility costs via riders are frequent and can be difficult for customers to track.
• The proposed bill aims to require utilities to explain changes in their overall revenues and charges for each rate class.
• The goal is to simplify and increase transparency for customers regarding their utility bills.
• No questions were asked of the witness, and there was no further testimony on SB1664.
• The chair left SB1664 pending with no objections.

▶️4 - SB2268 Schwertner | et al. Posting Rule Suspended

• Chair introduces SB2268 and a committee substitute for review.
• Chairman Hunter provides an explanation of the bill.
• SB2268 is an extension of the TEF fund, allowing municipal utilities.
• The committee substitute ensures the Open Records Act applies to the bill.
• A motion is made for the bill's passage.
• There are no questions from members regarding the bill.
• One witness, Taylor Kilroy, supports the bill on behalf of the Texas Public Power Association.

▶️Taylor Kilroy, TPPA

• Taylor Kilroy agreed with Chairman Hunter’s provided layout.
• No additional testimony was offered for or against SB2269.
• Chairman Hunter was recognized to close the discussion.
• The committee substitute was withdrawn.
• SB2269 was left pending with no objections raised.