BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 290

By: Miles

Energy Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that in Texas, liquefied petroleum gas, otherwise known as LP-gas, is commonly used and stored at facilities such as peak-shaving power plants and industrial sites and that these facilities often hold significant volumes of the gas on-site, posing potential safety, environmental, and public awareness concerns for nearby residents. The bill sponsor has also informed the committee that, currently, notification requirements for surrounding communities are limited when such installations are proposed or modified. S.B. 290 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Railroad Commission of Texas, for a proposed installation or modification of certain stationary LP-gas installations, to require the applicant to mail certain notice to all owners of real property situated within 500 feet of the proposed container location in order to promote transparency and public awareness of the siting or modification of large LP-gas installations, especially those that may operate near residential neighborhoods, and to provide property owners with relevant safety information and an opportunity to respond or engage in local planning discussions.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 290 amends the Natural Resources Code to require the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), for a proposed installation or modification of a stationary LP-gas installation with an aggregate water capacity of 10,000 gallons or more, to require the applicant to mail notice containing the information required by the RRC by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other form of mail that provides proof of delivery, to all owners of real property situated within 500 feet of the proposed container location. The bill requires the applicant to maintain a record of the proof of delivery for a period of time as determined by the RRC.

S.B. 290 applies only to an application for the installation or modification of a stationary LP-gas installation that is filed with the RRC on or after the bill's effective date. Such an application that is filed before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date of filing, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.