The 89th Legislative Session will begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Use this page to learn more about the general happenings and specific issues that TLMA is advocating on.

BILLS BEING HEARD THIS WEEK! 

3/31 - 4/4 

TLMA will watch all bills being heard in the House Energy Resources Hearing (Monday, 2 p.m.) and the Senate Natural Resources Committee (Wednesday, 9 a.m.)

On the FIRST House floor calendar, HB 143 will be up for debate. TLMA submitted a card of support for HB 143. 

Tuesday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. HB 2349 by Chairman Darby will be heard in the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee. This bill is the result of an Attorney General opinion that stated you must be an attorney to negotiate a wind or solar lease. This bill will exempt transactions for “other energy sources” as defined in the bill from requiring an attorney to negotiate. 

Wednesday, April 2 at 8 a.m. HB 16 by Chairman Cody Harris will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee. This is the House version of the major water legislation Chairman Perry passed last week. It is important to note, they are not companion bills. 

3/24 - 3/28

Senate Bill 7, Chairman Perry’s major water legislation, is being heard Monday, March 24 at 8 a.m. in Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 

Monday, 9 a.m. – Senate State Affairs

SB 291 – Schwertner. SB 291 makes a condemning entity liable for a property owners attorney fees if they do not disclose appraisal reports when an offer is made. TLMA filed a card of support.

SB 292 – Schwertner. SB 292 updates requirements for surveying property and offer to acquire additional property not through condemnation. TLMA filed a card of support.

Monday, 11 a.m. – House Energy Resources

HB 49 – Darby – Produced water liability bill that creates a definition of “treated product”, addresses ownership of the treated product and releases a person who handles the product from tort liability. TLMA testified against this bill for TLMA.

HB 2663 – Darby – Adds the requirement that all electrical equipment to a well that has been inactive for at least 10 years is removed in addition to surface equipment. The bill gives the RRC authority to impose an administrative penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. TLMA testified in support of this bill for TLMA.

Wednesday, 9 a.m. – Senate Natural Resources

SB 1759 – Birdwell – Creates a definition of “oil or gas emergency” and allows the RRC to declare an emergency has occurred for 30 days. Removes civil liability for giving assistance during an oil or gas emergency.

3/10-3/14

Tuesday, 3/11 at 8 a.m., SB 1172 by Senator Charles Perry will be heard in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. This bill is the result of an Attorney General opinion that stated you must be an attorney to negotiate a wind or solar lease. This bill will exempt transactions for “other energy sources” as defined in the bill from requiring an attorney to negotiate. TLMA filed a card of support.

Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., HB 143 and HB 144 by Chairman Ken King are being heard in the House State Affairs Committee. HB 143 codifies an MOU between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission regarding discovery and notification of an electrical condition that does not meet the National Electrical Code standards. HB 144 creates a requirement for electric utilities to develop a management and inspection plan for electric distribution poles. The plan must be submitted to the PUC for approval with updates every 3 years. Both bills are a result of the 2024 panhandle wildfires, but apply statewide. TLMA filed cards of support. 

Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hear SB 1150 by Senator Mayes Middleton. This bill is an effort to combat the inactive well issue in Texas. It creates a timeline for plugging inactive wells, and creates a process for an operator to request the RRC approve a compliance plan for not plugging the inactive wells. The bill requires the RRC to submit an annual report on inactive wells to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and each member of the legislature. Finally, SB 1150 requires the RRC to adopt rule requirements for inactive wells. TLMA testified neutrally on the bill. 

If you would like to watch any of the hearings, click the following links for the House and Senate.

Things that have happened during the legislative session:

March 14, 2025 - Bill Filing Deadline Passes
February 13, 2025 - Speaker Burrows releases House committee assignments (by committee) (by member)
February 2, 2025 - Governor Abbott gives State of the State address, announces emergency items
January 29, 2025 - Lt. Governor Patrick releases first set of priorities for session. 
January 17, 2025 - Lt. Governor Patrick releases Senate committee assignments.
January 14, 2025 - Legislature begins. Representative Dustin Burrows elected Speaker. 
January 13, 2025 - Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases 2026-2027 Biennial Revenue Estimate

The Texas Tribune hosts many events and conversations with various political leaders. To view their full calendar of events, click here. TLMA does not support or endorse any of the articles or information they present, we are providing this as an informational opportunity.

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