As we move further into hurricane season, I encourage everyone to take a few moments now to review your emergency plans, monitor local forecasts, and make sure you have essential supplies on hand. Our region is all too familiar with the impacts of tropical weather, and being prepared before a storm develops can make all the difference.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is urging Texans to stay informed, heed local officials’ warnings, and have a plan in place should severe weather impact our communities. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) also recommends keeping non-perishable food, water, medications, and other essential supplies readily available. You can find DSHS’s Disaster Supply Checklist at texasready.gov to help ensure you and your family are prepared for whatever hurricane season may bring.
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
Capitol Update
The House Committee on State Affairs has jurisdiction over a broad range of issues, including electric utilities, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and emergency management. The Committee also oversees several important state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, the Texas Ethics Commission, and the Department of Information Resources.
During the interim, the Committee has been charged with monitoring the implementation of several bills passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, including HB 14, HB 4211, and SB 6.
HB 14 created the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office to coordinate and promote the development of nuclear energy in Texas. The legislation also established programs to support nuclear energy projects and workforce development opportunities to help prepare Texans for careers in the growing nuclear industry.
HB 4211 established new consumer protections for Texans who participate in certain residential property ownership and rental arrangements. The legislation promotes transparency, prohibits unfair restrictions and fees, and strengthens protections for property owners and consumers.
SB 6 made important changes to how large electrical users connect to and operate on the Texas grid. The legislation strengthens grid reliability, improves transparency in forecasting future demand, and helps ensure costs associated with major new electrical loads are allocated fairly while protecting residential customers.
In addition to monitoring legislation, the Committee will examine several issues related to disaster preparedness, emergency communications, and broadband deployment.
Following last year’s devastating flooding in Central Texas, the Committee will review opportunities to improve disaster-response coordination and communication among local, state, and federal entities. Lawmakers will identify best practices, evaluate potential barriers to response and recovery efforts, and examine ways to strengthen emergency preparedness across the state.
The Committee will also consider establishing a formal Interoperability Council to coordinate a statewide emergency communications strategy, improve information sharing, support regional systems, and ensure first responders have reliable access to communications during emergencies.
Additionally, lawmakers will study the impact of pole attachments and other potential impediments to broadband deployment, while evaluating policies to expand access without compromising the safety and reliability of the electric grid.
Many of the issues before the State Affairs Committee share a common goal: ensuring Texas has the infrastructure, technology, and emergency preparedness capabilities necessary to support a growing state while protecting public safety.
As interim work continues, I look forward to keeping you updated on these and other issues that will help shape the next legislative session.
The mobile office is taking a break from the road in July, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you again in August. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
