H.B. No. 3824 establishes new fire safety standards and emergency operations plans specifically for battery energy storage facilities in Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 187 to the Utilities Code, which defines key terms such as "battery energy storage facility," "battery operator," and "commissioner." It mandates that the commissioner of insurance adopt fire safety standards based on nationally recognized guidelines, including those from UL Solutions and the National Fire Protection Association. The bill also requires battery operators to ensure compliance with these standards and to conduct regular safety inspections, including evaluations by independent engineers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for creating site-specific emergency operations plans that address potential risks, emergency procedures, and communication protocols with first responders. It emphasizes the importance of training local first responders on battery energy storage technology and incident response protocols. The commissioner is given the authority to delegate enforcement actions to the state fire marshal and to establish administrative penalties for violations of the new regulations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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