HB 9 would increase contributions by taxpayers collected at the state level from 6.8 percent to 7.8 percent in 2020 (and progressively higher to 8.8 percent in 2026) to decrease the funding period from 87 years to 30 years, respectively. This increase in contributions would cost taxpayers $684 million in the 2020-21 biennium and more thereafter. While this improves the financial soundness of TRS if the assumed rate of return is met, HB 9 does not solve the structural problems of TRS and adds additional costs to taxpayers of $658 million for a 13th payment to retirees in 2020.
Energy & Environment
Dr. Brent Bennett’s Testimony Before the House State Affairs Committee: Data Centers & 765-kV Transmission Lines
Testimony of Brent Bennett, Ph.D. Policy Director, Life:Powered Texas Public Policy Foundation Before the House State Affairs Committee August 19, 2026 Chairman King and Members of the Committee: Thank you for this opportunity to testify about the important challenges facing the Texas electric grid and specifically the challenges and opportunities being presented by data centers....
August 19, 2026