Bill > SB1825

This bill establishes comprehensive fire safety standards and emergency operations requirements for battery energy storage systems in Texas. The legislation requires the state fire marshal to develop and periodically update fire safety standards based on established industry standards like UL Solutions and National Fire Protection Association guidelines. Battery operators must ensure their energy storage facilities meet these standards at the time of interconnection and are prohibited from using local regulations that conflict with the state standards. The bill mandates that operators produce detailed site-specific emergency operations plans that identify potential risks, include hazard mitigation strategies, outline safe shutdown procedures, and establish communication protocols with first responders. Additionally, operators must provide free annual training to local first responders about battery energy storage technology, incident response, and site-specific safety protocols. Operators are also required to conduct independent third-party safety evaluations before beginning operations and every three years thereafter, with comprehensive documentation to be made available to local municipalities or counties. The new regulations will apply to battery energy storage facilities interconnected on or after January 1, 2027, and the act will take effect on September 1, 2025. This bill aims to enhance public safety and create standardized safety protocols for the growing battery energy storage infrastructure in Texas.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1825