[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6055361,"mediaKeyId","3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6","parentId",3320072,"title","Senate committee hears competing views on ‘right to repair’ electronics bill","audioSeconds",1309,"startMs",704000,"endMs",2013000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6&start=704&end=2013","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6/thumbnail_704000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6055361/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-competing-views-on-right-to-repair-electronics-bill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055361-d5b7f9f07faf6691d0f48414546f88c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011756&Signature=MUUGgEdjgxO5-FW17L-ffH-K~isykUC~NZec5EhHGaHAUgALRjWc~aHvCqVP7tvA3bo9WuAhRYxeAB7MnG01ao1AD46cPUt3dZ3JEPTq0qPvxyjekFzIGWsPm5Rvn4nxIejPH53WZ6cjK99dkdBR99N9nRdN0Gyub1zhxGBGIlyR5GcEVxS6r0J6ZlGGLegfauq1iaqzhD8EKD~h4ilRuoK72Ipz8UDBPWldZ4ipkzniect7wJrGJwLFpZvbXVbmYDbS4Rk3wdr24p51NCgLi-8Bpxl22in4wY88KxadVWYR0Cb27TkhLbP~gmBTgqGEjnd6M56xL2Xcg2N0ZiJ44A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Legislature","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","Senators on the Committee on Business & Commerce heard hours of testimony on House Bill 29 63 on the right to repair electronic devices, with witnesses split between consumer and environmental advocates and representatives of repair and automotive businesses.

“HB 29 63 simply gives consumers who are currently at the mercy of the proprietary repair ecosystem the right to repair their electronic devices,” sponsor Sen. Charles Hall said as he introduced the measure. The bill would require manufacturers selling devices in Texas to make parts, tools and documentation available on \"fair and reasonable terms,\" the sponsor said.

Supporters said the bill would reduce electronic waste and increase competition. Grayson Gee of the Texas Public Policy Foundation told the committee, \"When Texans buy a product, they should truly own it. That includes the right to repair.\" Sofia Dreslinski of Environment Texas said easier repair would cut waste, citing United Nations and EPA statistics on e‑waste and heavy metals.

Industry witnesses offered a mix of support and concern. Tom Tucker of Safelite Auto Glass said his company supports right to repair in principle but objected to sections that rely on nonbinding memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for the automotive sector. \"If the committee would amend out the issue of the MOU, we would withdraw our opposition,\" Tucker told the committee. Kevin Fisk of LKQ Corporation and other repair-industry witnesses raised concerns about telematics and over‑the‑air data that independent shops cannot access today.

Committee members pressed witnesses on the bill’s scope and carve-outs. Senator Sarah King and others asked whether the measure would apply to every product sold in Texas; witnesses responded that the bill targets consumer electronics and includes exemptions for medical devices, certain critical‑infrastructure equipment and motor vehicles that participate in an automotive MOU. The bill also gives the Texas Attorney General authority to enforce violations, according to sponsor remarks.

After public testimony the committee left HB 29 63 pending for further consideration.

Why it matters: The bill seeks to shift how manufacturers control repair markets for phones, tablets, laptops and similar devices, balancing intellectual property and trade‑secret protections against consumer access and environmental concerns. Proponents say repair access lowers costs and landfill waste; opponents warn of unintended operational and safety complications for sectors such as automotive repair.

What’s next: The committee left the measure pending after testimony and questions; several senators asked staff and stakeholders to refine language on automotive MOUs and exemptions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on Business and Commerce May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senators on the Committee on Business & Commerce heard hours of testimony on House Bill 29 63 on the right to repair electronic devices, with witnesses split between consumer and environmental advocates and representatives of repair and automotive businesses.","taxTitle","Committee on Business & Commerce, Senate, Legislative, Texas","taxId",16850,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6055345,"Committee weighs temporary alternative recovery for Permian transmission build‑out",416,7224000,7640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6&start=7224&end=7640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6/thumbnail_7224000.jpg","/articles/6055345/Texas/Committee-weighs-temporary-alternative-recovery-for-Permian-transmission-buildout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055345-3d8cb5055064dd9b5f6202ac10f10ab6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011756&Signature=On4cZ~bKUz--4qgkNWDdD43v3riWjXlcWrxgj9GGksWQwHfOFk0-ab7C8Y1QYz8YJ1uTPDDHF6-32aV9IpPJs0a16K2cepX13eNQ-HmFbXFGCaIsr-4zoM7DS8PEETlFreoqrGK~XehFxWeQ~635Fu7Ev-Ug3UNjMwapQa94dqb~NltGkQ71D-D1JVABlGAjnCgZx-FZSceM-X~T8JbR91pKtOaO5giqdPeuQNehU4eY6I8Ub-oTlEP~bawBH1Zv77nXKxQeVzMxkMSNxcbaEe9qMu8xGptMdWtwPFiDAuAG12FXm~dron0GfjDDZIpc0C0xfQzzsy0TnFXJUf~vIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee reviewed House Bill 52 47, a targeted measure to streamline capital‑cost recovery for transmission and distribution utilities heavily investing to serve Permian Basin load growth. Sponsor testimony described the bill as a temporary mechanism to let qualifying utilities recover investments when annual capital expenditures exceed specified thresholds relative to depreciation.

Katie Coleman of the Texas Association of Manufacturers supported the bill as a limited, targeted fix to help utilities catch up on infrastructure needed for business load growth, saying the provision is temporary and focused on rapid build‑out needs in ERCOT.

Encore and CenterPoint executives described large multi‑billion dollar capital plans and noted credit impacts from rapid investment. Matt Henry of Encore said the company's multi‑year plan raises rating‑agency concerns; the bill would compress multiple interim proceedings into a single annual review, giving the PUC more time to evaluate a utility's materials and allowing more timely rate adjustments, supporters argued.

Public testimony closed and the committee left the measure pending; sponsors agreed to consider a sunset and eligibility clarifications. Senator Nichols suggested a 2035 sunset could be appropriate, while others noted the 300% capital/expenditure threshold functions as a dynamic limit.

Why it matters: Rapid industrial load growth in the Permian Basin has required utilities to accelerate capital investment. The bill seeks to avoid credit‑rating pressures that could raise borrowing costs, while providing a process to protect ratepayers through PUC review and over‑earnings treatment.

What’s next: Committee to work with stakeholders on sunset timing and whether to include additional utilities or carve‑outs for regions such as Houston.","The committee considered HB 52 47, which would create a temporary alternative capital‑recovery process for utilities that have annual capital expenditures far above depreciation, focused on transmission needed for Permian Basin load growth.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6055349,"Committee reviews utility wildfire and pole‑inspection bills; co‑ops and utilities seek clarified reporting rules",519,6067000,6586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6&start=6067&end=6586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6/thumbnail_6067000.jpg","/articles/6055349/Texas/Committee-reviews-utility-wildfire-and-poleinspection-bills-coops-and-utilities-seek-clarified-reporting-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055349-34225b1ca6cad904d88dbbec0ea556ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011756&Signature=D0sonfN3fKiDzkwqtALsI-W8QaCl9MLs3R9ps5IRKBNmobxk16WBX7e1zPWzzvyCHhCvBqXUfAViHSKISuG2zgtEi831QLLOpbscuovvQTnRgeO7OsZo4JMh4M048J6oApds8plzGrOBDwCXEA3pYHls4jZt--S4p0SHdEQD728kOqDzaDBT7FucSQqWHj9oZGmYIzN4xAgBiDxbYHFrRO5Ba4KHuHPxekJQTD1UhY964MznKmMPiyQ~Yj03dc8YRA21WJxaI0JWc~-FDoKoyGIurlpa9428GQe25q-Oxj8r40reIs2WrWBeDnXMk5~bEdZWEMxzFUFOU3P8fpChMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee examined two related utility measures meant to reduce wildfire risk and improve pole‑inspection transparency: House Bill 144, which would require utilities to file distribution pole inspection plans with the Public Utility Commission, and House Bill 145, which would require wildfire mitigation plans and permit utilities to self‑insure for wildfire losses under specified conditions.

Julia Harvey of Texas Electric Cooperatives told the committee that co‑ops support greater visibility and planning but warned the bill’s monthly reporting could impose burdens on rural utilities. \"The volume of PUC reporting under the bill, the monthly reporting may pose a burden to our members… about 1,600 filings from co‑ops over the next two years,\" she said, and asked that the bill avoid financial penalties for missing a single filing.

Mark Bell of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas said utilities already run extensive pole‑inspection programs and urged the bill be tailored to focus on processes rather than repetitive activity reporting; he recommended quarterly rather than monthly updates to avoid administrative overhead. Taylor Kilroy of the Texas Public Power Association urged preserving local oversight for municipal systems even as the bill improves statewide accountability.

On HB 145’s self‑insurance provisions, industry and insurance witnesses offered mixed views. Mark Bell urged moving a National Electrical Safety Code reference into the appropriate bill section; Ward Tisdale of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies objected to liability immunities that could make it difficult for property owners to obtain recovery after wildfire. Utilities said the plan and approval process at the PUC is intended to provide regulatory clarity and an affirmative defense for utilities that submit approved mitigation plans.

The committee left both bills pending for further stakeholder work to calibrate reporting frequency, PUC review mechanisms and any liability protections.

Why it matters: The bills seek to reduce wildfire ignition risk from utility infrastructure and to create predictable processes for inspection, planning and — where commercial insurance is not available — limited self‑insurance. Rural co‑ops stressed the need to balance public safety goals with administrative capacity.

What’s next: Sponsors will work with utilities, co‑ops and insurers on clarifying reporting cadence and the interplay between PUC approval and potential court review.","Senators heard House Bills 144 and 145, measures aimed at improving pole inspection plans and wildfire mitigation planning for utilities. Electric co‑ops and municipal utilities supported required plans but urged limits on PUC jurisdiction and monthly report burdens; the bills would also allow self‑insurance in certain wildfire circumstances.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6055354,"Senate committee hears proposal to shift TWIA borrowing to state financing and add transparent storm surcharges",509,6190000,6699000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6&start=6190&end=6699","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6/thumbnail_6190000.jpg","/articles/6055354/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-proposal-to-shift-TWIA-borrowing-to-state-financing-and-add-transparent-storm-surcharges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055354-78c57eda69f0e15b62752b448468c4ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011756&Signature=GBnVRs7S2NwTgdWO4wDHJArkpVbvLgoKgkkaIOvIrJv0~uPKB3fk8mE6SJKrNaYgr7vrsvLCge-nplQIsyAAzp2j7TKmfK3tMq4yTqajstzyt8-buC91RHhBtStjjmuUBwb6HsG~EdLkRKGJAvUzdctK5qMPBrBw4WzO3GOBa--50B9IGiySFWrxh6MGg2z9GbcopZQCpWNSm-yT2akVPsK3DoETQMHZE0jxTHqbBiETPJSVmEeqJbdUfYB-8LiUXASMmgNii6mLfUMxnApUi3kbb3nuT27yE4mPL3LL3aXDhPVHB7txCS3b-dtbQ6KJYHiOgrEsUsp7CkIQxBL6qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee took testimony on House Bill 36 89, a measure that would change the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association’s post‑event financing structure and add temporary, clearly labeled surcharges on policies to repay state loans used after a catastrophe.

Sen. Sarah Kolkhorst, explaining the bill, described a new sequence that would use TWIA funds and the CRTF (catastrophic reserve trust fund) first, then permit state loans up to $1 billion and assessments on insurers before calling on reinsurance. The bill author would also allow a pre‑event loan up to $500 million and set a two‑year $2 billion cap on borrowing in a major event, she said.

Supporters said the approach reduces TWIA’s dependence on costly market securities and reinvests a larger share of premiums in the CRTF. \"This simplifies the funding stacks in TWIA. It removes the very expensive public securities provision that we experimented with between 2015 and now and found to be very expensive,\" said Beamon Floyd of the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions.

Industry witnesses and coastal representatives said the bill increases transparency by requiring an annual TWIA report and a visible \"catastrophic pass‑through\" surcharge line on affected policies that would appear only while loans are being repaid. \"This will allow policyholders to see where the surcharge goes,\" Sen. Kolkhorst said.

The committee left the bill pending; sponsors said they would continue to refine technical provisions with stakeholders.

Why it matters: The bill aims to reduce borrowing costs for TWIA and to keep more premium dollars in reserve funds that pay claims after storms. That could lower long‑term costs for coastal policyholders and reduce reliance on expensive bond markets.

What’s next: Committee requested additional technical drafting on surcharge triggers and repayment terms.","Senators heard House Bill 36 89, a package to change how the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association raises post‑event cash and to create short‑term surcharges that would appear as line items on policies only if a catastrophic event occurs.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6055358,"Senate committee hears plan to create Texas Quantum Initiative to boost research and cybersecurity",1417,2764000,4181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6&start=2764&end=4181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3320072-ff90047cfbbcf023ee491b2b153eecf6/thumbnail_2764000.jpg","/articles/6055358/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-plan-to-create-Texas-Quantum-Initiative-to-boost-research-and-cybersecurity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055358-152f3798f87e740c30a8783e0c9c7b29/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011756&Signature=FtUKZMG1wzL8QzTYD8~5KYtI5gVf3XmyQ4YFSCN--Er4qeQyY9wqiUgwDih-zyyhv9gwVlgxFGeGa2ccaU94aRnouD4HBEbwVDAVLRCCkuOZXWRSEXpsyJWkaCygVyTUTWnYQRMW-tavTnhgFy6md7oIKptNd8NYH6y~fdbZ2sdNAqdT5zG~tjbfM~GEhVdE-JU1bvV14IU9UKRy45ru~a~JeB-1Q-TJLN6i2iPqtIHmIUY7isxbaSstMbrPvfgZ2p07pokHKIpYV1HLMP1uVCZVDr2r87FGaqmd1ol2M4WsRontmM15DS2F8HKidxLJPBsluibeIqqs1k1ElVuL3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Business & Commerce took testimony on House Bill 47 51, which would establish a Texas Quantum Initiative within the governor’s office to coordinate state, university and private-sector efforts in quantum computing, networking and workforce development.

\"Quantum technology is no longer a far off concept. It's an imminent reality,\" sponsor Rep. Sarah Parker told the committee as she described a plan to support research, grants and a new strategic fund for university–business innovation. The initiative would be guided by a seven‑member executive committee appointed by statewide leaders and produce an annual report to the legislature.

University and industry witnesses urged passage. Andre Cisneros of the University of Texas at Dallas described campus programs and a new undergraduate certificate in quantum information; Alexei Sokolov of Texas A&M said the institute he helps run has existed for 25 years and urged state coordination. Niccolo Dimasi, CEO of INQ, a local quantum‑technology company, told senators \"Quantum networking represents the next frontier in cybersecurity\" and said private firms are prepared to invest in states that back the sector.

Senators probed the need for a state initiative and what it would fund. Senator Nichols asked whether the initiative would duplicate private or university efforts; witnesses said the state role would be coordination, strategy, workforce development and helping attract federal funds and private investment. Senator Parker said the initiative is not a standalone agency and would not by itself create large state expenditures, but could enable federal grants and matching investments if funded later.

The committee left HB 47 51 pending for further consideration.

Why it matters: Supporters argued quantum technologies could give Texas an early advantage in cybersecurity, materials science, drug discovery and advanced manufacturing, and that a state‑level initiative could accelerate commercialization and workforce pipelines.

What’s next: The committee asked sponsors and stakeholders to refine governance details and any future funding approach before a committee vote.

","Senators heard testimony supporting House Bill 47 51, which would establish a Texas Quantum Initiative to co‑ordinate university, industry and state efforts on quantum computing, networking and workforce development. Supporters argued the state risks falling behind internationally; some members questioned whether a state initiative is necessary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee hears competing views on ‘right to repair’ electronics bill

Committee weighs temporary alternative recovery for Permian transmission build‑out

Committee reviews utility wildfire and pole‑inspection bills; co‑ops and utilities seek clarified reporting rules

Senate committee hears proposal to shift TWIA borrowing to state financing and add transparent storm surcharges

Senate committee hears plan to create Texas Quantum Initiative to boost research and cybersecurity