S.B. No. 75 aims to strengthen the resilience of Texas's electric grid in response to significant power outages experienced in 2021 and 2011, which exposed vulnerabilities in the state's infrastructure. The bill emphasizes the importance of the electric grid for public safety, economic stability, and environmental protection, particularly for vulnerable communities. It introduces new provisions in the Utilities Code, specifically Section 38.077, mandating the Texas Grid Security Commission to conduct simulated exercises to prepare for threats to critical facilities. Additionally, it establishes Chapter 44, defining "all hazards" and outlining the commission's formation and responsibilities, which include representatives from various state agencies focused on enhancing grid resilience.
The bill further mandates the security commission to evaluate the resilience of the ERCOT electric grid and critical infrastructure, assess various hazards, and identify methods to support national security functions, including engaging the Texas National Guard in cybersecurity training. It requires the commission to recommend resilience standards for municipalities and micro-grids, with a report due by December 1, 2026, detailing these standards and associated costs. Notably, the bill includes new legal language stating that confidential information obtained by the security commission is exempt from disclosure under the Government Code, and meetings discussing such information are exempt from open meeting laws.
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Enrolled: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)