Top Issues in the 87th: Governor Signs Legislation into Law (June 9 Update)
Before the 87th Texas Legislature convened, the Lubbock Chamber highlighted a handful of key issues that we were keeping an eye on throughout the session. Beyond our top issues, we tracked more than 400 pieces of legislation spanning all sectors and topics from agriculture, healthcare, COVID-19, local control, energy, and more.
With Sine Die now in the rearview mirror and bills reaching Governor Abbott’s desk, here is a look at the key legislation he is signing into law.
Texas Tech University System
HB 1522 was signed into law on June 8 and will take effect on September 1, and officially makes Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls a member of the Texas Tech University System.
ERCOT
Following the February winter storm and with 70% of Lubbock Power & Light customers transitioning to ERCOT over Memorial Day weekend, an enhanced electric grid became a top priority for the Chamber so that businesses and families would have reliable access to electricity.
SB 2 is an oversight bill that was signed into law and effective immediately on June 8. It requires members of the Public Utility Commission to be residents of Texas and prevents ERCOT from performing essential market functions without approval from the PUC.
SB 3 was also signed into law and made effective immediately on June 8, and is geared more towards disaster preparedness and response. In addition to requiring certain electricity production plants to weatherize their infrastructure, it creates an emergency alert system for Texans when energy production may not meet demand.
Business
SB 911 was signed into law on June 4 and goes into effect on January 1, 2022. With the rising popularity of food/drink delivery services, this legislation establishes basic regulations for the relationships between restaurants and third-party delivery services.
With Sine Die now in the rearview mirror and bills reaching Governor Abbott’s desk, here is a look at the key legislation he is signing into law.
Texas Tech University System
HB 1522 was signed into law on June 8 and will take effect on September 1, and officially makes Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls a member of the Texas Tech University System.
ERCOT
Following the February winter storm and with 70% of Lubbock Power & Light customers transitioning to ERCOT over Memorial Day weekend, an enhanced electric grid became a top priority for the Chamber so that businesses and families would have reliable access to electricity.
SB 2 is an oversight bill that was signed into law and effective immediately on June 8. It requires members of the Public Utility Commission to be residents of Texas and prevents ERCOT from performing essential market functions without approval from the PUC.
SB 3 was also signed into law and made effective immediately on June 8, and is geared more towards disaster preparedness and response. In addition to requiring certain electricity production plants to weatherize their infrastructure, it creates an emergency alert system for Texans when energy production may not meet demand.
Business
SB 911 was signed into law on June 4 and goes into effect on January 1, 2022. With the rising popularity of food/drink delivery services, this legislation establishes basic regulations for the relationships between restaurants and third-party delivery services.
