Texas Senate Bill 2510 establishes burn manager insurance program to curb wildfires

The Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing Texas's wildfire risks and regulatory gaps in utility oversight. The primary focus was on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2510, which proposes the establishment of a self-insurance program for prescribed burn managers, administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Senate Bill 2510 aims to tackle the alarming statistic that Texas burns approximately 14 million acres less than necessary each year, with less than 5% of public lands being adequately burned. The bill seeks to create a temporary $25 million insurance pool to support certified prescribed burn managers, who currently face significant challenges in obtaining general liability insurance. Presently, only one insurance company meets the state's financial liability requirements, and it only provides coverage to degreed foresters, leaving many burn managers uninsured.

Justin Penick, chair of the Prescribed Burn Board, testified that the lack of insurance has severely limited prescribed burning activities, especially west of Interstate 45. He emphasized that the proposed insurance pool could facilitate over a million acres of prescribed burning annually, a substantial improvement but still short of the needed 14 million acres.

The committee also reviewed House Bill 143, which addresses the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to manage electrical safety at oil and gas sites. Following devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle, the bill codifies a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies, allowing them to collaborate on shutting off power at hazardous sites. This legislation aims to close regulatory gaps that have previously led to wildfires caused by poorly maintained electrical lines.

Public testimony supported both bills, highlighting the urgent need for improved oversight and proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of these legislative efforts in protecting Texas's natural resources and ensuring public safety.

The committee left both bills pending, signaling ongoing discussions and potential amendments as they work towards finalizing the legislation. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact Texas's wildfire management strategies and regulatory frameworks in the coming years.