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Bill

HB 106

Relating to the maintenance of overhead electrical power lines associated with oil and gas development and production; authorizing an administrative penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Penny Morales Shaw and 1 co-sponsor

HB 106 mandates maintenance standards for oil and gas industry overhead power lines and establishes administrative penalties for violations to ensure operational safety and infrastructure reliability.

Left pending in committee
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Bill Summary · HB 106

Legislative bill overview

HB 106 establishes maintenance requirements for overhead electrical power lines used in oil and gas operations and creates an administrative penalty system for non-compliance. The bill addresses operational safety and infrastructure standards specific to energy sector power infrastructure in Texas.

Why is this important

Overhead power lines in oil and gas operations can pose fire, safety, and environmental risks if improperly maintained. Clear maintenance standards and enforcement mechanisms help prevent infrastructure failures, accidents, and operational disruptions in a major Texas industry while potentially reducing liability and insurance costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. safety: Oil and gas operators may view new maintenance requirements and penalties as costly compliance burdens, while safety advocates argue they're necessary for public protection
  • Penalty structure: Disagreement may arise over what constitutes adequate penalties—whether they're strong enough to incentivize compliance or excessive enough to harm industry competitiveness
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Questions about whether state-level requirements conflict with existing federal regulations, local ordinances, or utility commission authority over electrical infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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