Bill: SB 13, 87(R) - 2021

Committee

Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development

2nd Chamber Committee

House State Affairs

Companion Bill

HB 2189

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Brian Birdwell
Donna Campbell
Bob Hall
Charles Perry
Charles Schwertner
Drew Springer

Sponsor(s)

Cecil Bell Jr.
Tom Craddick
Ken King
Phil King
Four Price

Bill Caption

Relating to state contracts with and investments in certain companies that boycott energy companies.

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal impact of provisions that would prohibit certain state governmental entities from investing in financial companies that boycott energy companies and prohibit certain governmental entities from executing contracts with the same companies cannot be determined.

Bill Analysis

SB 13 would require the comptroller to create a list of companies divesting, without an ordinary business purpose, from the fossil fuel industry and would limit or prohibit investment in such companies by state investment funds and would stop the state of Texas from doing business with companies unless they agree to not divest from fossil fuel companies in their contracts.

SB 13 would also shield the state, a state governmental entity, a current or former employee, a member of the governing body, or any other officer of a state governmental entity, or a contractor of a state governmental entity, from liability for any claim or cause of action, including breach of fiduciary duty, or for violation of any constitutional, statutory, or regulatory requirement in connection with any action, inaction, decision, divestment, investment, company communication, report, or other determination made or taken in connection with the requirements of this bill.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on SB 13 as it does not impact our liberty principles. Still, Texas residents have a strong interest in maintaining a robust energy sector and the state is within its rights to refuse to do business with companies that choose to act against the interest of Texans. 


Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 05:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/87r/sb13?print_view=true