88R13858 DIO-D
 
  By: Murr H.B. No. 4574
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of an interim committee to study
  large-scale battery storage.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  DEFINITION. In this Act, "large-scale battery
  storage" includes:
               (1)  utility-scale or grid-scale storage of electric
  energy using batteries for connection to electric power generation
  or transmission and distribution networks to provide for
  flexibility in electric power systems and optimal use of electric
  energy resources;
               (2)  storage of electric energy using batteries to
  provide electric power to large industrial, office, or other
  facilities or to residential communities; and
               (3)  electric energy storage using equipment or
  facilities described by Subchapter E, Chapter 35, Utilities Code,
  to the extent the facilities employ battery technology.
         SECTION 2.  INTERIM COMMITTEE; STUDY AND REPORT. (a) An
  interim committee is established to study large-scale battery
  storage.
         (b)  The study must consider:
               (1)  current statutes, regulations, and ordinances
  regarding large-scale battery storage in this state;
               (2)  the status of state oversight and regulation of
  large-scale battery storage, including by the Public Utility
  Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,
  the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state
  agencies;
               (3)  fire safety standards for large-scale battery
  storage; and
               (4)  building code standards for large-scale battery
  storage.
         (c)  The interim committee shall be composed of members
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The
  members must include:
               (1)  members of the house of representatives;
               (2)  two individuals to represent the large-scale
  battery storage industry; and
               (3)  two members of the general public.
         (d)  The speaker of the house of representatives shall
  designate a member of the interim committee to serve as the chair of
  the committee.
         (e)  The interim committee has all other powers and duties
  provided to a special committee by the rules of the house of
  representatives, by Subchapter B, Chapter 301, Government Code, and
  by policies of the House Committee on Administration.
         (f)  Not later than January 1, 2025, the joint interim
  committee shall report the committee's findings and
  recommendations to the governor and the members of the legislature.
  The report must include recommendations for best practices to
  address public safety concerns regarding the location and operation
  of large-scale battery storage.
         SECTION 3.  EXPIRATION; ABOLITION OF COMMITTEE. The interim
  committee established by Section 2 of this Act is abolished and this
  Act expires January 10, 2025.
         SECTION 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  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, 2023.