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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to requirements for backup electric generator connections |
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for new multiunit complexes in certain municipalities; providing |
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civil penalties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 214, Local Government |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 214.222 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 214.222. BACKUP ELECTRIC GENERATOR CONNECTIONS FOR |
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MULTIUNIT COMPLEXES IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) In this |
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section, "multiunit complex" has the meaning assigned by Section |
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92.151, Property Code. |
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(b) This section applies only to a municipality with a |
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population of two million or more. |
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(c) The governing body of a municipality by ordinance shall |
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incorporate into its municipal building code a requirement that the |
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construction of a new multiunit complex be compatible with the |
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connection of a backup electric generator. The connection must: |
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(1) allow for a generator to be connected to the main |
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electrical panel of the complex by a manual or automatic transfer |
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switch; |
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(2) be compatible with a generator that is capable of |
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operating essential services for the complex for a minimum of 96 |
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hours; |
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(3) include a statement close to the connection of the |
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connection's voltage, capacity, and compatible plugs; and |
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(4) comply with applicable electrical and fire safety |
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standards. |
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(d) An ordinance adopted under this section must require the |
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inspection of a multiunit complex to ensure compliance with the |
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building code provisions adopted under this section. |
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(e) A person who violates an ordinance adopted under this |
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section is liable to the municipality for a civil penalty in an |
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amount not to exceed $50,000. |
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(f) A person assessed a civil penalty under Subsection (e) |
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must make any repairs and improvements necessary to bring the |
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property into compliance not later than the first anniversary of |
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the date the civil penalty is assessed. A person who violates this |
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subsection is liable for another civil penalty under Subsection (e) |
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for each year the person violates this subsection. |
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(g) A municipality may grant an exception to an ordinance |
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adopted under this section for a new multiunit complex that has a |
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technical limitation that prevents compliance with this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |