Bill Caption

Relating to the date of expiration of a certain pilot revolving loan program established under the loanstar revolving loan program to provide for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology for certain organizations.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 2305 of the Government Code, regarding restitution for oil overcharges, to extend the expiration date from December 1, 2015 to December 1, 2017 of the pilot program under the LoanSTAR revolving loan program to provide loans to houses of worship and community-based organizations to finance the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology in buildings owned or operated by those organizations. The bill would take effect immediately upon receipt of a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house; otherwise the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.

Bill Analysis

HB 2769, if passed, would modify the Government Code (Section 2305.0322) by extending a renewable energy pilot program by another two years, from an expiration in December 31^st 2015 to December 31^st 2017. The full of this section of code is the Pilot Revolving Loan Program for Energy Efficiency Measures and Renewable Energy Technology by Certain Nonprofit Organizations. The program is funded under the Lonestar Revolving Loan Program.

This program exists to provide funds for the implementation of energy efficient measures and renewable energy technology for various community organizations. “Community organizations” has a particular definition in code (535.001).

Vote Recommendation Notes

While we recognize the good provided by faith-based and other community organizations we cannot support state subsidies especially when they are directed in such a way as to benefit one particular group. The pilot program in place is an illegitimate function of the state and is set to expire at the end of this year. The maintenance of this program, subsidizing one set of parties at the expense of the whole tax base, is a form of picking winners and losers, independent of how well-intentioned the pilot program may be. For this reason we oppose HB 2769.