MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Charles — Schwertner, Chair — — — — None — — Senator Phil King, Vice — Chair — — — — — — Senator César Blanco — — — — — — Senator Donna Campbell — — — — — — Senator Brent Hagenbuch — — — — — — Senator Adam Hinojosa — — — — — — Senator Nathan Johnson — — — — — — Senator Lois Kolkhorst — — — — — — Senator José Menéndez — — — — — — Senator Kevin Sparks — — — — — — Senator Judith — Zaffirini

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

 

None

Senator Phil King, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator César Blanco

 

 

Senator Donna Campbell

 

 

Senator Brent Hagenbuch

 

 

Senator Adam Hinojosa

 

 

Senator Nathan Johnson

 

 

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

 

 

Senator José Menéndez

 

 

Senator Kevin Sparks

 

 

Senator Judith Zaffirini

 

 

 

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Kolkhorst.

 

 The Chair laid out the following interim charge and opened invited testimony (see attached witness list) for discussion:

 

Securing Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Integrity: Evaluate the integrity of the supply chain for the Texas electric grid and other critical infrastructure. Identify any vulnerabilities or potential risks posed by hostile foreign entities of concern including, but not limited to, China, Russia, and Iran. Make recommendations for improvements and an ongoing evaluation process to remain vigilant in maintaining a reliable and secure Texas electric grid.

 

Senator King assumed the chair.

 

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

 

The Chair opened invited testimony (see attached witness list) for updates from the following agencies:

 

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Office of Public Utility Counsel

Public Utility Commission of Texas

 

There being no further business, at 3:14 PM Senator Schwertner moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

 

 

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Annika Vandayar, Clerk