Senate Committee on Business and Commerce

Committee Information

CHAIR

VICE-CHAIR

MEMBERS

 

CLERK:
Annika Vandayar

TEL:
(512) 463-0365

LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 370

Reports

Interim Charges

  • Securing Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Integrity: Evaluate the integrity of the supply chain for the Texas electric grid and other critical infrastructure. Identify any vulnerabilities or potential risks posed by hostile foreign entities of concern including, but not limited to, China, Russia, and Iran. Make recommendations for improvements and an ongoing evaluation process to remain vigilant in maintaining a reliable and secure Texas electric grid.
  • Assessing the State of the Texas Electric Grid: Monitor rulemaking related to Senate Bill 6, 89th Legislature, including large load interconnection rules, cost allocation of transmission costs, and the progress made toward increasing confidence in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) load forecasts. Examine previous efforts to strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the Texas electric grid, including the Texas Energy Fund and post-Winter Storm Uri reforms at both the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT, including Senate Bills 2 and 3, 87th Legislature. Evaluate the competitiveness of the ERCOT market to determine whether further changes are necessary to support a robust energy-only market.
  • Managing the Impacts of 765-kv Transmission Lines on Private Property Rights: Review the proposed 765-kv transmission line route plans to determine their impact on homes, businesses, and communities. Assess whether the current regulatory processes and timelines are sufficient in protecting landowner rights, including allowing for proper consideration of the effect of high voltage transmission lines on long-term land use, property values, and environmental factors. Recommend ways to improve transmission planning, permitting, and siting decisions for the infrastructure necessary to serve growth in the state.
  • Modernizing Transmission and Enhancing Affordability: Consider proposals to improve transmission planning, construction, and ratemaking processes to protect everyday Texans from rising electricity costs. Evaluate ways to maximize existing transmission infrastructure and reduce congestion through the integration of residential distributed energy resources, energy storage, and other grid technologies. Review ERCOT's proposed changes to its interconnection process to determine what guardrails should be enacted to increase transparency and accountability, and support continued investments in the state.
  • Managing Data Center Growth: Study the adequacy of current statutory, regulatory, and infrastructure frameworks to meet the rapidly increasing demand from large electric loads, such as data centers. Recommend ways to balance economic development benefits of this growth against the impacts on landowners, private property rights, water infrastructure, and community integrity.
  • Strengthening Regulatory Oversight and Access to Affordable Insurance for Texans: Evaluate the rising cost of property and casualty insurance in Texas. Consider the stability and competitiveness of the Texas insurance market, insurer participation, and coverage availability to meet consumer demand. Make recommendations to increase affordability, improve reporting to strengthen consumer protections, and support timely regulatory and legislative responses.
  • Fostering Financial Technology Innovation: Evaluate the future of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in the state of Texas and assess Texas’ coordination with federal rules. Assess how the state’s financial regulatory agencies respond to emerging financial technologies and business models, while prioritizing the protection of consumers. Examine the prevalence of virtual currency kiosks in Texas and make recommendations to support their use while protecting vulnerable Texans from scams. Review the implementation of Senate Bill 21, 89th Legislature.
  • Examining Broadband Development Office Strategic Planning: Review the Broadband Development Office's (BDO) management of existing state and federal broadband development funds, as well as ongoing funding decisions under the various funding programs. Evaluate the BDO’s strategic plan for timely broadband deployment and make recommendations to improve the efficiency of BDO programs using existing resources.
  • Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
    • Senate Bill 815 (89th Legislature), relating to the use of certain automated systems in, and certain adverse determinations made in connection with, the health benefit claims process;
    • Senate Bill 1964 (89th Legislature), relating to the regulation and use of artificial intelligence systems and the management of data by governmental entities;
    • House Bill 14 (89th Legislature), relating to support for the development of the nuclear energy industry; and
    • House Bill 149 (89th Legislature), relating to regulation of the use of artificial intelligence systems in this state; providing civil penalties
    • House Bill 150 (89th Legislature), relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.
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