Austin, TX – Senate Bill (SB) 1697 by Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, became the first of her bills to be signed into law during the 89th Legislative Session after Gov. Greg Abbott approved it last Tuesday (May 13). The new law will help protect Texas consumers by requiring a best practices guide for those considering rooftop solar installations.

“This is a win for Texas consumers,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “My SB 1697 will ensure homeowners have the information they need to make informed decisions about residential solar energy.”

Under the new law the Public Utility Commission of Texas will be required to develop and maintain a standardized best practices guide for consumers considering rooftop solar installations. The guide must include questions to ask utility providers, technical and design considerations, financial factors like tax credits and maintenance costs and contact information for additional support. Electric providers must share the guide with their customers and make it easily accessible both online and through billing communications.

To read more about SB 1697, including the bill’s language, click here.

Dean Senator Zaffirini has passed 1,401 bills, more than any legislator in the history of the State of Texas. This session Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed her to the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce; Finance; State Affairs; and Natural Resources, of which she is Vice Chair. She also is his appointee to the Texas Judicial Council and the Texas Access to Justice Commission.

The senator made history as the first woman Dean of the Senate on Dec. 31, 2023. She succeeds 24 men who held the title since 1909, when it was first assigned to the longest-serving senator. The seventh of only 25 women who have served with 954 male senators in 89 Texas Legislatures, she and Eddie Bernice Johnson joined Cyndi Krier in 1987, marking the first time more than one woman served in the 31-member body. Today there are eight women senators.

Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services

Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini prepares to consider legislation during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

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