Thread by @bradj_TX

And we're now on #HB5, as @toddahunter begins his layout. So far, there are about 15 amendments filed. #txlege

Full bill: capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/bi…

https://twitter.com/bradj_TX/status/1654184582063837190

One of the biggest sticking points on this issue -- in fact, one of the main reasons Chapter 313 was killed -- has been renewables.

Hunter says flat out that renewables are not included.

79 members have signed onto the bill as either joint author or coauthor, a chamber majority. #txlege

Rep. John Smithee is asking a hypothetical about, sometime down the road, if renewables qualify as dispatchable whether they could qualify for these abatements.

@ShineforTexas says that the definition would exclude renewables, as they don't meet the definition of dispatchable.

"Dispatchable generation" generally means a power source that can turn on when called upon. Wind and solar, dependent on weather, do not meet that standard.

However, batteries, which may purchase power from intermittent sources, do qualify under the bill.

@RepMattSchaefer pressing Shine on whether the below provision includes a loophole for renewables: "stored energy to the power grid from batteries, regardless of power source."

"There is no provision for wind or solar in the bill," Shine says.

Now onto amendments.

The first, by Shine, clarifies and makes some minor tweaks. It's adopted.

Second by @GatesforTexas writes in a workforce training program. Adopted.

Next by @reptinderholt is immediately point of ordered by @ErinForYall.

Not exactly sure what it'd do but it deals with this section of code: statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV…

The amendment has been withdrawn.

House parliamentarian said afterward, "Can y'all wait 15 minutes until we do the next one so I can finish my hamburg?"

Next amendment by Smithee would write in renewables to the bill so long as they are powering batteries.

@JaredLPatterson is standing at the back mic, I assume to ask some questions momentarily.

Patterson questioning Smithee about whether this would exacerbate the state's influx of renewables.
thetexan.news/influx-of-rene…

He also tacitly referenced the theme from yesterday's ERCOT/PUC presser: not enough thermal generation development.
thetexan.news/texas-electric…

The amendment by Smithee has been withdrawn.

Amendment by @DonnaHowardTX reduces the sunset year from 3036 to 2033. It is adopted.

Another workforce-focused amendment by Gates is adopted.

An amendment by Tinderholt would add to the agreement requirements "a sworn affidavit stating the applicant's past involvement with BLM, Planned Parenthood, [or PRIDE] activities."

Immediately point of ordered by Ds, saying it's not germane.

Amendment withdrawn.

Next amendment by Tinderholt is similar but on vaccine mandates. Also point of ordered.

Amendment withdrawn.

Amendment by Schaefer eliminates the "regardless of power source line" and substitutes "that store energy from a thermal source." It is adopted.

Hold up. Shine just called a motion to reconsider Schaefer's amendment. It passed. It's back on the board.

By a vote of 20-107, the Schaefer amendment fails.

Amendment by @jarvisjohnsontx would increase the salary of these qualified jobs created.

Amendment by @brianeharrison would prohibit any ISD from approving an abatement agreement if it didn't use more than half of its M&O taxes to pay salaries of teachers.

Immediately point of ordered by @KingForTexas, germaneness.

An amendment by @TMFtx adopted requires applicants to offer their employees group health care benefits.

An amendment by @TerryWilsonTX would insert an intent provision stating that once the abatement expires, the tax payments from the company should go toward reducing the ISD M&O rate.

The amendment is adopted by a vote of 135-0.

Next by @GinaForAustin would require the construction jobs associated with a project getting this abatement would receive a prevailing wage.

The amendment fails by a vote of 53-86.

Amendment by @BryanforHD2 would require school districts to notify the public upon receipt of an application w/in one week.

The amendment fails 124-8.

Amendment by Schaefer, previously adopted, has been called back for reconsideration.

The amendment would prohibit applicants from paying benefits to contractors for any activities that constitute a criminal offense. It is immediately point of ordered.