By: Rodriguez of Travis H.B. No. 1362

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to implementation of a pilot program under the loanstar revolving loan program to promote the use of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology by certain nonprofit organizations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 2305.0322, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2305.0322. PILOT REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY BY CERTAIN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. (a) The legislature finds that promoting the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology is necessary to protect the public health and environment of this state and that the up-front cost of implementing those improvements often prevents some in the private sector, especially certain nonprofit organizations, from making the improvements. To make the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology by certain nonprofit organizations more affordable, it is necessary to provide alternative means of financing those improvements. Therefore, the legislature finds that a public purpose will be served by establishing a pilot program that provides loans to community-based organizations and houses of worship to finance the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology in the buildings owned and operated by those organizations.

(b) In this section:

(1) "Community-based organization" has the meaning assigned by Section 535.001.

(2) "Energy efficiency" means a measure that is aimed at reducing the rate at which energy is used by equipment or processes and may be achieved by:

(A) substituting more advanced equipment to produce the same or a higher level of end-use services with less energy;

(B) adopting technology and processes that reduce heat or other energy losses;

(C) installing materials, including weatherization materials, or equipment that reduces or facilitates a reduction in heat or other energy loss; or

(D) reorganizing processes to make use of waste heat.

(3) "House of worship" means a nonprofit corporation or association that:

(A) is operated through a religious or denominational organization, including an organization that is operated for religious, educational, or charitable purposes and that is operated, supervised, or controlled, wholly or partly, by or in connection with a religious organization; or

(B) clearly demonstrates through the organization's mission statement, policies, or practices that the organization is guided or motivated by religion.

(4) "Pilot program" means the pilot program established under this section to provide loans to houses of worship and community-based organizations to finance the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology in buildings owned or operated by those organizations.

(5) "Renewable energy technology" has the meaning assigned by Section 39.904(d), Utilities Code.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirement that the energy office provide loans under the loanstar revolving loan program to finance energy and water efficiency measures for public facilities, the energy office shall establish and administer a pilot program under the loanstar revolving loan program established under Section 2305.032 to provide loans to houses of worship and community-based organizations to finance the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology in buildings owned or operated by those organizations.

(d) Not later than January 1 of each year, the energy office shall submit a report to the legislature that includes:

(1) a brief description of:

(A) the implementation and status of the pilot program;

(B) the energy efficiency measures or renewable energy technologies financed under the pilot program; and

(C) the energy saved and clean energy produced as a result of implementing energy efficiency measures or renewable energy technologies financed under the program;

(2) recommendations for addressing any challenges or obstacles encountered in financing the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies under the pilot program; and

(3) any additional information the office determines necessary.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2013, the energy office shall establish an advisory committee composed of at least five representatives from faith and community-based organizations to assist the office in implementing the pilot program. The energy office shall work with statewide faith and community-based organizations to recruit advisory committee members. The advisory committee shall elect a chair and the chair shall call their meetings. They shall meet as often as needed to:

(1) make recommendations to the energy office regarding the application process and documents;

(2) develop a faith and community-based outreach and education plan for the pilot project; and

(3) write a report to the Legislature before the beginning of each legislative session identifying challenges and successes of the pilot program and recommendations for future efforts to bring energy efficiency to the nonprofit sector.

(f) [(e)] This section expires December 31, 2017 [2015].

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.