Bill > HB866

This bill creates the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council, a temporary body comprised of nine members: two state senators, two state representatives, and five public members with specific areas of expertise including climatology, state economy, land management, and tourism. The council's primary mission is to conduct a comprehensive study on climate change's impact on Texas, examining potential effects on residents, natural resources, public health, and the economy. They will estimate the costs of climate change-related adverse effects, research prevention and mitigation strategies for issues like flooding, erosion, drought, and wildfires, and recommend legislative or regulatory actions to minimize climate change's negative consequences. The council is required to hold public hearings across Texas and submit a detailed report to the legislature by January 1, 2027. Public members will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and relevant legislative committees will provide administrative support. The council will be automatically dissolved on September 1, 2027, and the bill itself takes effect on September 1, 2025, with council members to be appointed by December 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB866