| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
HB 1125, if passed, would authorize a study to examine the existence of natural gas utilities in certain counties. Namely, the study would require that the Railroad Commission study the existence of natural gas utilities in certain communities along the border with Mexico which meet certain population requirements. This is bracketed specifically to the border colonias.
The report would be required to be completed
no later than November 30th of 2016 and must be given to the
legislature, lieutenant governor, and presiding committee officers. The report
would be required to include recommendations for how to extend natural gas
utility service to the communities in question.
We question the fairness of conducting a study biased and
bracketed to communities of certain size, located in a given locale. We are
also wary of the potential projects which could grow out of study findings.
Nevertheless, given that HB 1125 has no fiscal impact and no legal impact we are neutral on the bill. That does not necessarily mean we would be neutral on any future legislation proposed as a result of this study.