HB 143: well site power lines must meet the National Electrical Code

Caption

relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Caption from analyzed text · version S.

Summary

No leaning or cracked poles.

The bill requires oil and gas operators to build and maintain power lines at well sites to the National Electrical Code and keep poles free of visible damage like leaning or cracking. Landowners or lessees who spot a bad line must report it to the Railroad Commission, which must alert the Public Utility Commission and the operator within three days when the problem risks fire or injury. Within 10 days the two agencies must act, by sending in the fire marshal or local officials, having the utility cut power to the site, or taking other steps, and the landowner must be told what is being done.

Labels

Labels: ACROSS THE AISLE. Joint authors: 4 Republicans, 1 Democrat. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Receipt

The receipt

89R-HB143 · 2025-03-06

SOLD BY

Rep. Ken KingRHouse 88

Rep. Drew DarbyRHouse 72

Rep. Todd HunterRHouse 32

+ 2 more authors, 4 coauthors

ITEM

relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

WHAT IT DOES

No leaning or cracked poles.

The bill requires oil and gas operators to build and maintain power lines at well sites to the National Electrical Code and keep poles free of visible damage like leaning or cracking. Landowners or lessees who spot a bad line must report it to the Railroad Commission, which must alert the Public Utility Commission and the operator within three days when the problem risks fire or injury. Within 10 days the two agencies must act, by sending in the fire marshal or local officials, having the utility cut power to the site, or taking other steps, and the landowner must be told what is being done.

CHARGES

[ ] NONE FOUND

TOTAL

Net to General Revenue · FY 2026$0

LBB estimate, flow · fiscal note version F · ( ) = negative · source

Sources

Fiscal note · version F · May 24, 2025

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB143, As Passed 2nd House: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2027. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

First year · FY 2026 · $0

Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds

LBB published estimates · flow over the stated periods.

Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

HISTORY

Mar 6, 2025Filed
Mar 7, 2025Read first time
Mar 7, 2025Referred to State Affairs
Mar 12, 2025Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
Mar 12, 2025Considered in public hearing
Mar 12, 2025Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
Mar 12, 2025Left pending in committee
Mar 19, 2025Considered in public hearing
Mar 19, 2025Committee substitute considered in committee
Mar 19, 2025Reported favorably as substituted
Mar 25, 2025Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator
Mar 25, 2025Committee report distributed
Mar 25, 2025Committee report sent to Calendars
Mar 27, 2025Considered in Calendars
Apr 1, 2025Placed on General State Calendar
Apr 1, 2025Read 2nd time
Apr 1, 2025Passed to engrossment
Apr 1, 2025Record vote RV#56
Apr 1, 2025Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
Apr 2, 2025Read 3rd time
Apr 2, 2025Passed
Apr 2, 2025Record vote RV#63
Apr 2, 2025Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
Apr 2, 2025Reported engrossed
Apr 2, 2025Received from the House
Apr 3, 2025Read first time
Apr 3, 2025Referred to Natural Resources
Apr 16, 2025Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
Apr 16, 2025Considered in public hearing
Apr 16, 2025Testimony taken in committee
Apr 16, 2025Left pending in committee
May 21, 2025Considered in public hearing
May 21, 2025Vote taken in committee
May 22, 2025Reported favorably as substituted
May 22, 2025Committee report printed and distributed
May 23, 2025Co-sponsor authorized
May 23, 2025Placed on intent calendar
May 23, 2025Rules suspended-Regular order of business
May 23, 2025Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
May 23, 2025Vote recorded in Journal
May 23, 2025Three day rule suspended
May 23, 2025Record vote
May 23, 2025Read 3rd time
May 23, 2025Passed
May 23, 2025Record vote
May 24, 2025Senate passage as amended reported
May 24, 2025Senate Amendments distributed
May 24, 2025Senate Amendments Analysis distributed
May 28, 2025House concurs in Senate amendment(s)
May 28, 2025Record vote RV#3958
May 28, 2025Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
May 28, 2025Text of Senate Amendment(s)
May 28, 2025House concurs in Senate amendment(s)-reported
May 29, 2025Reported enrolled
May 30, 2025Signed in the House
May 31, 2025Signed in the Senate
May 31, 2025Sent to the Governor
Jun 20, 2025Signed by the Governor
Jun 20, 2025Effective on 9/1/25

FILED UNDER

No verified beat found.

SIGNED FOR BY

House · 132 yea · 15 nay

Senate · 31 yea · 0 nay

Sources

House: Final passage · Apr 2, 2025. Journal. Published stock for this vote. Snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate: Final passage · May 23, 2025. Journal. Published stock for this vote. Snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

All floor motions and other positions below.

No flags

THANK YOU FOR CHECKING THE RECEIPT

CAMPAIGN PAID FOR BY

Ken King

Donors

Defend Rural Texas PAC$204K Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC$175K Coalition for Working Families PAC$100K

Not tied to this bill.

Sources

The author's campaign account only. Own money and internal transfers are separate on the member page.

Derived itemized flow · Jul 16, 2024 to Oct 22, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Defend Rural Texas PAC$203,547.49

Defend Rural Texas PAC

$203,547.49

Cash: $0.00
Paid by others: $203,547.49
Total: $203,547.49

television $165,000.00radio $25,000.00texting $13,547.49

Also funds 1 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Feb 4, 2026 to Aug 7, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Feb 4, 2026 to Aug 7, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101040115, 101058003, 101068175.

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC$175,000.00

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

$175,000.00

Cash: $175,000.00
Paid by others: $0.00
Total: $175,000.00

Also funds 137 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jul 24, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Sep 17, 2024 to Sep 16, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 100983150, 101008206, 101028141, 101035143, 101040115, 101058003, 101068175.

Coalition for Working Families PAC$100,000.00

Coalition for Working Families PAC

$100,000.00

Cash: $100,000.00
Paid by others: $0.00
Total: $100,000.00

Also funds 24 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Dec 25, 2025 to Oct 15, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Feb 3, 2026 to Feb 20, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101040115.

Money

Missing data does not establish zero giving. Display amounts are rounded.

×

Defend Rural Texas PAC

$203,547.49

Cash: $0.00
Paid by others: $203,547.49
Total: $203,547.49

television $165,000.00radio $25,000.00texting $13,547.49

Also funds 1 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Feb 4, 2026 to Aug 7, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Feb 4, 2026 to Aug 7, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101040115, 101058003, 101068175.

×

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

$175,000.00

Cash: $175,000.00
Paid by others: $0.00
Total: $175,000.00

Also funds 137 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jul 24, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Sep 17, 2024 to Sep 16, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 100983150, 101008206, 101028141, 101035143, 101040115, 101058003, 101068175.

×

Coalition for Working Families PAC

$100,000.00

Cash: $100,000.00
Paid by others: $0.00
Total: $100,000.00

Also funds 24 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Dec 25, 2025 to Oct 15, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team

Sources

Derived itemized flow · Feb 3, 2026 to Feb 20, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101040115.

Votes6

House May 28, 2025

Yea: 124
Nay: 12
Present, not voting: 3
Absent: 3
Excused: 8

Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 3958

Representative King moved to concur in the senate amendments to HB 143. The motion to concur in the senate amendments to HB 143 prevailed by (Record 3958): 124 Yeas, 12 Nays, 3 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: 124 (published)
Nay: 12 (published)
Present, not voting: 3 (published)
Absent: 3 (derived from named list)
Excused: 8 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 23, 2025

Yea: 31
Nay: 0
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Names

Senate journal

Names were not printed. No individual positions are inferred.

Sources

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 143 be placed on its third reading and final passage. The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: 31 (published)
Nay: 0 (published)
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 23, 2025

Yea: 31
Nay: 0
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Names

Senate journal

Names were not printed. No individual positions are inferred.

Sources

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 143 be placed on its third reading and final passage. The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: 31 (published)
Nay: 0 (published)
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 23, 2025

Yea: Not printed
Nay: Not printed
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Names

Senate journal

Names were not printed. No individual positions are inferred.

Voice vote. No numeric tally or individual yeas are inferred.

Sources

The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by a viva voce vote.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: Not printed
Nay: Not printed
Present, not voting: Not printed
Absent: Not printed
Excused: Not printed

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

House Apr 2, 2025

Yea: 132
Nay: 15
Present, not voting: 1
Absent: 0
Excused: 2

Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 63

HB 143 was passed by (Record 63): 132 Yeas, 15 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: 132 (published)
Nay: 15 (published)
Present, not voting: 1 (published)
Absent: 0 (derived from named list)
Excused: 2 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

House Apr 1, 2025

Yea: 130
Nay: 16
Present, not voting: 1
Absent: 2
Excused: 1

Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 56

CSHB 143 was passed to engrossment by (Record 56): 130 Yeas, 16 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

Yea: 130 (published)
Nay: 16 (published)
Present, not voting: 1 (published)
Absent: 2 (derived from named list)
Excused: 1 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Witnesses43

For: 33
Against: 0
On: 10

Names

For

Association of Electric Companies of Texas1 registration
ExxonMobil2 registrations
Fasken Oil and Ranch1 registration
Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club2 registrations
Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Assoc1 registration
Permian Basin Petroleum Association1 registration
Powering Texans1 registration
Public Citizen1 registration
Public Citizen Texas1 registration
Self2 registrations
Self; Environment Texas1 registration
Self; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association4 registrations
Self; Texas Wildlife Association1 registration
State Firefighters & Fire Marshals Association1 registration
Texas 20361 registration
Texas Assoc of Manufacturers1 registration
Texas Electric Cooperatives1 registration
Texas Farm Bureau2 registrations
Texas Forestry Association1 registration
Texas Impact1 registration
Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)2 registrations
Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association1 registration
Texas Oil and Gas Association1 registration
Texas Public Power Association1 registration
Vistra Corporation1 registration

On

Association of Electric Companies of Texas1 registration
LBB1 registration
Legislative Budget Board1 registration
Public Utility Commission of Texas2 registrations
Railroad Commission2 registrations
Railroad Commission of Texas1 registration
Railroad commission of texas1 registration
Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office1 registration

Sources

43 parsed registrations across the loaded witness lists.

Derived stock of witness registrations. Repeated appearances count separately. Organizations and self-representation appear as printed.

House witness list. Source snapshot 2026-10-20, Central time.

Senate witness list. Source snapshot 2026-10-20, Central time.

Fiscal

Net to General Revenue · FY 2026$0

LBB estimate, flow · fiscal note version F · ( ) = negative · source

Sources

Fiscal note · version F · May 24, 2025

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB143, As Passed 2nd House: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2027. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

First year · FY 2026 · $0

Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds

LBB published estimates · flow over the stated periods.

Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

How this was graded

Analysis of text version S by claude-opus-5-5, Oct 22, 2026, against the published rubric.

Sources

Texas House · Filed Mar 6, 2025

06/20/2025 E Effective on 9/1/25

Texas Legislature Online · Introduced · House Committee Report · Engrossed · Senate Committee Report · Enrolled

Data snapshot Oct 26, 2026 at 4:20 AM CDT. Grades, charges, quotes and corrections follow the published record.

Coauthors

Cassandra Garcia HernandezDHouse 115

Ray LopezDHouse 125

Penny Morales ShawDHouse 148

Mihaela PlesaDHouse 70

Companion

SB 2980 by Hancock (identical)

HB 2453 by King (duplicate)

Subjects

Oil & Gas

Safety

Utilities--Electric

FIRE MARSHAL

PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

RAILROAD COMMISSION

Text

The text as introduced · 357 words

89R10085 ANG-D

By: King
H.B. No. 143

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and

the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an

operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or

certain surface facilities in accordance with the National

Electrical Code.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 91.019, Natural Resources Code, is

amended to read as follows:

Sec. 91.019. STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND

MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER LINES. (a) An operator shall

construct, operate, and maintain an electrical power line serving a

well site or other surface facility employed in operations incident

to oil and gas development and production in accordance with the

National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection

Association and adopted by the Texas Commission of Licensing and

Regulation under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code.

(b) If, during an inspection of a well site or surface

facility employed in operations incident to oil and gas development

and production, the commission discovers a condition involving an

electrical power line that does not meet the standards described by

Subsection (a), the commission shall notify the Public Utility

Commission of Texas. To resolve the condition, the commission and

the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in collaboration, shall:

(1) notify the applicable electric utility providing

electric power to the well site or surface facility of the condition

and require the electric utility to make a determination regarding

whether electric power should be disconnected from the site or

facility;

(2) request that the state fire marshal or a local

government authority inspect the well site or surface facility and

require the operator to mitigate any dangerous conditions

identified by the state fire marshal or local government authority;

or

(3) issue notice to the applicable electric utility to

investigate the condition and disconnect electric service, if

necessary.

SECTION 2. Section 91.019, Natural Resources Code, as

amended by this Act, applies to an inspection that occurs on or

after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Verdict: No flags

The receipt

SOLD BY

ITEM

WHAT IT DOES

CHARGES

TOTAL

HISTORY

SIGNED FOR BY

Donors

Defend Rural Texas PAC

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

Coalition for Working Families PAC

Defend Rural Texas PAC

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

Coalition for Working Families PAC

House May 28, 2025

Senate May 23, 2025

Senate May 23, 2025

Senate May 23, 2025

House Apr 2, 2025

House Apr 1, 2025

For

On

Companion