Transcript Highlights:

• steam coming off of their generation steam coming off of their generation capability.<00:04:13.439
• that's in Shakipi and so I in general that's in Shakipi and so I in general I'm<00:08:28.720>
• It generates a combustible gas<00:15:02.399> and<00:15:02.639> it<00:15:02.880> generates
• > may that it generates and you all may that it generates and you all may probably<00:15:06.720
• 00:29:13.279> faces general that equipment also faces general that equipment also faces challenges

Bills: HF4770

Keywords: biomass, anaerobic digester, renewable energy, sustainability, energy generation

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended. The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data. Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:03.120> from retail rate for excess generation from retail rate for excess generation
• <00:18:08.200> is that any excess generation is that any excess generation is compensated<
• crush small distributed generation crush small distributed generation projects<00:21:18.760>
• <00:33:28.840> is that distributed generation is that distributed generation is accelerated
• Only 36 of those generate over 110% of their annual energy usage, so the vast majority just generate

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• So General Contractor X... Employs subcontractors.
• General Contractor X pays the subcontractor $50,000 for supplies.
• They would likely be less than the interest generated.
• generally Discover is a little lower.
• The generation only wants to use the card.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill was put together with the clear intent of it being mobile generation—small generators that could
• . large generators.
• There was one of the... 32 megawatts backup generators in Algoa and in Galveston County that were totally
• I'll call up Tamara Smith, Office of the Attorney General.
• Generally, the bad actor is a family member.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• And so a bill was put together with a clear intent of it being mobile generation, small generators, that
• And so a bill was put together with a clear intent of it being mobile generation, small generators, that
• There was one of these 32-megawatt backup generators in Algoa, in Galveston County.
• There was one of these 32 megawatts backup generators in Algoa, you know, in Galveston County.
• If the TDU lacks leased generation capacity necessary to aid in restoring power to LACs least generation

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first took up several pending and uncontested bills. It favorably reported SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, and SB 1968, and also moved SB 2321 to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 819, which would change how the Public Utility Commission reviews proposed utility-scale solar and related interconnection projects. The committee substitute would shift the default so interconnection is allowed unless the PUC affirmatively prohibits it within 180 days, limit denial to cases where harm substantially outweighs benefits, remove public meeting requirements, retain setback and financial assurance provisions, add optional application materials such as national security and environmental information, and restore local control over county tax abatements. The substitute was adopted and SB 819 was favorably reported to the full Senate on a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 231, focused on CenterPoint’s use of large emergency generators after Hurricane Beryl. Senator King explained that the original bill was intended to prevent customers from being charged for non-mobile generators that were leased at great cost and did not match the bill’s emergency-response purpose. CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan apologized for the company’s communication failures and said the company would make customers whole through a combination of rate reductions, foregone storm-cost recovery, and a donation of the 15 large generators to ERCOT for about two years to address a San Antonio-area reliability issue, with the company absorbing the associated costs. PUC Executive Director Connie Corona said the commission could enforce the agreement through its contested-case process. Public testimony included consumer and reliability advocates, one of whom argued utility-scale microgrids should be preserved as a policy option. SB 231 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 986, which would create an alternative process for routine Public Information Act requests so local governments can make initial redactions without sending every routine exception to the Attorney General, while preserving an appeal path and training requirements. Supporters said it would reduce backlog and speed access to records; opponents argued it would shift the burden to requesters and encourage delay. The AG’s office testified that the process could improve efficiency and still fit within current timelines if used promptly. SB 986 was left pending. Finally, SB 584 was briefly laid out to require consumer reporting agencies that buy data from others to ensure the information complies with Texas law on excluded items such as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens, and SB 600 was heard on heir property. SB 600’s substitute would strengthen notice, require an attorney ad litem, add an heir’s bill of rights, allow settlement conferences, and require fair-market-value sales protections; supporters said it would curb predatory partition practices, while opponents warned some provisions could burden or diminish minority heirs’ property rights. SB 584 and SB 600 were left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Burkhalter, who is deputy general counsel for TDLR. Thank you and good morning, senators.
• Appreciate what we're doing here promoting residential energy backup.
• For example, a gas generator as a backup, you know, it may be that a city prefers to restrict operation
• For example, a gas generator as a backup, you know, it may be that a city prefers to restrict operation
• or generators.

Bills: SB213, SB378, SB610, SB681, SB918, SB1172, SB1252, SB1343, SCR8

Keywords: SB 213, Texas insurance, Insurance Code, Chapter 551, Chapter 541, bundling, tying arrangement, cross-selling, homeowners insurance, residential property insurance, auto insurance, personal automobile insurance, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, deceptive insurance practice, property and casualty insurer, Lloyd's plan, county mutual, reciprocal exchange, farm mutual

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, first reporting SB 1006 favorably after adopting a committee substitute that adds quarterly ZIP-code-level reporting to TDI on insurer declinations, cancellations, and nonrenewals. The committee also adopted substitutes and favorably reported SB 388, which adds nuclear to a credit program and excludes batteries from the dispatchable definition; SB 917; SB 504, which narrows reporting requirements for certain local entities, raises a salary threshold, and authorizes AG injunctive relief; SB 925, which clarifies that federal match dollars are included in a PLA-related prohibition; and SB 815, which removes downcoding references and focuses on AI use in prior authorization. SB 815 advanced on an 8-2 vote, while SB 388 advanced 6-3 and the others were reported 9-0 or 6-0 as noted. The committee then heard testimony on SB 378, which would prohibit aestheticians and cosmetologists from administering injections or using prescriptive medical devices unless legally authorized and would clarify TDLR disciplinary authority. The author and a retired neurosurgeon testified that unsafe, unauthorized injections pose real patient risks, and a TDLR witness said the bill addresses a long-standing regulatory gap. SB 378 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard SB 1252, aimed at reducing municipal permitting barriers for residential backup power systems; the author and industry witnesses said city permitting is costly and inconsistent, while municipal utility representatives and advocates said the substitute preserved safety and utility oversight. That bill was also left pending. Additional bills heard but left pending included SB 1172, which would let LPs and LLCs sell their own property without a real estate license; SB 681, which would extend engineer license renewal periods and apply similar flexibility to engineering firms; SB 918, a TDLR cleanup bill for orthotics and prosthetics exemptions; SB 1343, which would require data brokers to post a clear link explaining Texans’ privacy rights and how to exercise them; SB 213, which would prohibit forced bundling of residential property and auto insurance while preserving voluntary discounts; SB 610, which would codify TDLR’s anti-trafficking unit; and SCR 8, expressing opposition to a central bank digital currency over privacy, security, and financial-stability concerns. Public testimony on SB 1343 and SB 213 was generally supportive, with consumer and advocacy groups emphasizing privacy, competition, and survivor safety, and the committee closed the day with those measures and others left pending.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGkoDu_XihQ, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, The previously live streamed meeting was cut off prematurely and then reactivated. This is the complete version that was pulled from backup., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Burkhalter, Deputy General Counsel for TDLR. Thank you and good morning Senators. Ms.
• Appreciate It's what we're doing here promoting residential energy backup.
• For example, a gas generator as a backup, you know, it may be that a The city prefers to restrict operation
• or generators.
• SB 1252 keeps the lights on and gets critical backup power in the hands of Texans faster.

Bills: SB213, SB378, SB610, SB681, SB918, SB1172, SB1252, SB1343, SCR8

Keywords: SB 213, Texas insurance, Insurance Code, Chapter 551, Chapter 541, bundling, tying arrangement, cross-selling, homeowners insurance, residential property insurance, auto insurance, personal automobile insurance, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, deceptive insurance practice, property and casualty insurer, Lloyd's plan, county mutual, reciprocal exchange, farm mutual

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOK9slNDHZ8, 2026-06-21T07:17:01+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Due to a network issue the previous live stream was split into two parts. This video is the full meeting pulled from a local backup., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXRFEmbTG7k, 2026-06-21T07:17:02+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Due to technical issues the first part of this meeting did not live stream. It was recovered from a backup and loaded in it's entirety here: https://youtu.be/52OJuGRkaw8, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugWHsqc67Qg, 2026-06-21T07:17:02+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, The original live stream that took place on 9-22-22 was incomplete due to technical issues. This should be the complete version of that meeting recovered from backup., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• They all know our rivers and everything else, and we need to make sure they have the proper backup and

Bills: SB3, SB 3

Keywords: disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones: Magistration generally is secret, right?
• But generally, I mean, I literally have looked... Rep.
• And the judge generally just listens to what the prosecution says. Rep.
• I am a pastor and fifth-seventh generation Texan.
• Generally in the best of circumstances they will be 57, 58 years old.

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there products that we need to take off the streets, on the beverage or in general? In general.
• Thank you, General. Members, are there questions for this panel? I've got a couple. Mr.
• A generational shift is occurring where, among other things, younger people and younger generations are
• It's a generational shift that's not caused by policy.
• I represent Village Farms as General Counsel. I'm a Texas native.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an extremely proud third-generation Texan that was born and raised in Houston.
• I am a first-generation Texan who has spent most of my life here in Central Texas.
• Farmers of my generation have a bleak future when it comes to profitability.
• Three years later, our youngest was diagnosed with generalized focal epilepsy.
• In fact, Delta 8 may offer general relief for anxiety and psychosis, then Delta 9.

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itiR7wEDfls, 2026-06-21T07:17:01+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Due to technical issues the first part of this meeting did not live stream. It was recovered from a backup and loaded in it's entirety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugWHsqc67Qg, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: SB3, SB16

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Senator Hagenbuch, who asked for wisdom, humility, courage, and guidance in serving Texas and conducting the chamber’s work with integrity and respect. After the prayer, the House messenger reported that the House had passed several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, including HCR 2 honoring the victims of the July 2025 Hill Country floods, HCR 3 marking the dedication of the Children’s Emergency Relief International George M. Cowden Building in Austin, HCR 4 congratulating Ricky and Anne Lowe on their 47th wedding anniversary, and HCR 5 recognizing Don Sparks of Midland for receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award. Following the House message, the Senate announced a brief recess while awaiting completion of the House calendar. Senator Zaffirini then moved that the Senate stand in recess until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, and the motion was adopted without objection.

Bills: SB 2, SB 3, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just spinning and generating electricity.
• . ...battery backup.
• And that would generate the power we need.
• It doesn't have any impact on any other power generation.
• It doesn't have any impact on any other power generation.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• have market power that can also generate have market power that can also generate um um um uh<00
• generate lower revenues. generate lower revenues.
• negotiation between the Attorney General negotiation between the Attorney General and<00:32:22.480
• <00:42:30.320> from amount of income generated from amount of income generated from Medicare
• ,<00:58:27.680> and discharge that create backups, and discharge that create backups, and

Bills: HF4343

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house