Bill Text: TX HB3552 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to enhancing the security of the electric grid, making an appropriation.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-04-15 - Left pending in subcommittee [HB3552 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-HB3552-Introduced.html

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By: Parker H.B. No. 3552

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to enhancing the security of the electric grid, making an
appropriation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.918 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.918. ELECTRIC GRID SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) The commission shall establish a grant program to
increase the security of electric grid in the ERCOT. Eligible
expenses of the program include:
(1) audits related to security of the electric grid
and associated computer systems and networks conducted by
independent security experts for transmission and distribution
utilities, independent organizations certified by the commission
under Section 39.151, electric cooperatives, river authorities,
and municipally owned utilities operating in the ERCOT power
region;
(2) reimbursement of investments or expenses made by
transmission and distribution utilities, independent organizations
certified by the commission under Section 39.151, electric
cooperatives, river authorities, and municipally owned utilities
operating in the ERCOT power region to implement measures
recommended by the Electric Grid Security Advisory Committee or to
implement recommendations made in an audit conducted pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection;
(3) expenses incurred by the Electric Grid Security
Advisory Committee related to the retention of consultants or other
experts determined to be necessary to assist the committee in
performing its duties;
(4) reimbursement to a member of the Electric Grid
Security Advisory Committee for travel expenses; and
(5) reimbursement of costs incurred by the commission
in administering this section;
(b) Entities other than the commission seeking
reimbursement from the grant program shall provide adequate
documentation to the Electric Grid Security Advisory Committee to
demonstrate the eligibility of the expense for reimbursement under
this section. The commission shall authorize reimbursement of
eligible expenses upon receipt of a certification from the Electric
Grid Security Advisory Committee that the expenditures are eligible
under this section within 5 business days of receipt of a valid
certification.
(c) The commission shall quarterly report the total amount
of reimbursement by the categories listed in subsection (a) to the
governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of
representatives.
(d) Nothing in this section is intended to prevent
transmission and distribution utilities, independent organizations
certified by the commission under Section 39.151, electric
cooperatives, river authorities, and municipally owned utilities
from continuing their ongoing efforts to secure electric facilities
from physical and cyber security threats, including incurring
reasonable and necessary expenditures related to those efforts and
seeking recovery as authorized by this title.
(e) The Public Utility Commission of Texas may conduct a
closed meeting under Chapter 551, Government Code to discuss the
findings of the Electric Grid Security Advisory Committee, programs
required by this section, and other issues related to the security
of the electric grid and associated computer system and networks.
SECTION 2. In addition to other appropriations made by the
84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, the amount of $25 million
is appropriated from the general revenue fund to the Public Utility
Commission for the purposes of Section 39.918, Utilities Code, as
added by this Act for the period beginning on the effective date of
this Act and ending August 31, 2017.
SECTION 3. The enactment of this act is contingent upon the
passage of House Bill 2289 of the 84th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2015, or similar legislation that creates the Electric
Grid Security Advisory Committee. If neither House Bill 2289 or
similar legislation is enacted by the 84th Legislature, then this
act does not take effect.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.