By: Dean, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Birdwell) H.B. No. 1501

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2021; May 19, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development; May 22, 2021, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 22, 2021, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 1501 By: Birdwell

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain regulations adopted by a governmental entity restricting the use of a natural gas or propane appliance or other system or component.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 3000, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 3000.0021 to read as follows:

Sec. 3000.0021. CERTAIN REGULATIONS REGARDING RESTRICTION OF NATURAL GAS OR PROPANE. (a) No governmental entity may adopt or enforce an ordinance, resolution, regulation, code, order, policy, or other measure that has the purpose, intent, or effect of directly or indirectly banning, limiting, restricting, discriminating against, or prohibiting the use of an appliance or other system or component that is fueled by natural gas or propane in the construction, renovation, maintenance, or alteration of a residential or commercial building.

(b) A governmental entity may not impose any additional charge or pricing difference on a development or building permit applicant that discourages those constructing homes, buildings, or other structural improvements from using an appliance or other system or component that is fueled by natural gas or propane in the construction, renovation, maintenance, or alteration of a residential or commercial building.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.

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