BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 3070
80R12247 AJA-D By: Strama et al. (Watson)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Home buyers often do not have a full understanding of the energy consumption of a home. Currently there is no mechanism in place for informing potential homebuyers about the energy efficiency of a residential real property.
H.B. 3070 requires the State Energy Conservation Office to conduct a study to examine methods for introducing information into the residential real property marketplace regarding the energy efficiency of a residential real property.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2305, Government Code, by adding Subchapter F, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY STUDY
Sec. 2305.101. DEFINITIONS. Defines "residential real property" and "energy efficiency mortgage."
Sec. 2305.102. STUDY: METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY. (a) Requires the State Energy Conservation Office (energy office) to conduct a study to examine methods for introducing information into the residential real property marketplace regarding the energy efficiency of residential real property.
(b) Requires the energy office to establish an advisory committee to direct the focus of the study. Sets forth the composition of the advisory committee.
(c) Requires the study to consider, at a minimum, certain issues.
(d) Requires the study to address the question of whether introducing information into the marketplace regarding energy efficiency of residential real property through the method the advisory committee and the energy office determine most promising is likely to increase the average energy efficiency of residential real property in this state; and specify any statutory changes the advisory committee and the energy office determine are necessary to achieve a particular result.
(e) Authorizes the advisory committee or the energy office to contract with appropriate organizations, public or private institutions of higher education, and any other appropriate entities to obtain information to conduct the study. Requires state agencies, boards, and commissions and institutions of higher education to comply with request from the energy office for information or assistance in conducting the study.
(f) Requires the energy office to report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives on the study and its results not later than October 1, 2008.
Sec. 2305.103. EXPIRATION. Provides that this subchapter expires August 31, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.