Bill > HB3824

This bill establishes comprehensive safety regulations for battery energy storage facilities (large-scale battery systems) with a capacity of one megawatt hour or more, to be implemented by the Texas Commissioner of Insurance. The bill requires battery operators to adhere to nationally recognized safety standards from UL Solutions and the National Fire Protection Association, including specific requirements for design, installation, operation, and safety. Operators must develop site-specific emergency operations plans that identify potential risks, outline hazard mitigation strategies, provide procedures for equipment shutdown and emergency response, and include communication protocols for first responders. The bill mandates that operators conduct third-party safety evaluations before facility activation and every five years thereafter, provide detailed documentation to local authorities, and offer free training to local first responders on battery energy storage technology and incident response. Municipalities and counties are prohibited from creating conflicting safety regulations, and the state fire marshal is authorized to enforce these standards through administrative penalties. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to battery energy storage facilities with a commercial operations date on or after January 1, 2027.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3824