March 1, 2021
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, the association continues to update our members on the Texas Legislative Session, which only happens once every other year for 140 days. The session got a slow start but is now picking up momentum with the commencement of the first of its committee meetings last week, which were mainly focused on the grid.

Check out our first story of the morning for some of the Texas Legislature's priorities for the 2021 Texas Legislative Session that may affect you and your business.

Speaking of the Texas Legislative Session, one North Texas lawmaker has refiled gas piping legislation from the last session. See more details and read the newly reintroduced legislation in our second story of the morning.

Thirdly, Biden Administration has updated some guidelines on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If you are interested in PPP Round 2, read our third story of the morning.

Also, included in this edition as a helpful reminder, we have added all the arctic blast waiver expiration dates on the calendar to the right.

As always do not forget to check out our Quick Links section. Stay on top of the latest regulatory alerts, PSC items, winter supply, and pricing. Additionally, find a convenient link to register for Texas Energy Day, it's free and virtual, so tune in from anywhere.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Legislature's Priorities
  • CSST Legislation
  • Paycheck Protection Program Update(s)
  • Quick Links
Texas Legislative Preview & Update
Late last week, the Lt. Governor, who presides over the Senate announced his and the Texas Senate's priorities for the session. TPGA highlighted a few that may impact our membership:

  • Protect Texas Trucking
  • Business Freedom & Uniformity
  • Pandemic Liability Protection
  • Power Grid Stability
  • Oil & Gas Investment Protection
  • Statewide Broadband Access

The Texas Propane Gas Association is tracking hundreds of bills, but there are at least (100) core bills we've flagged to more closely monitor.

TPGA will continue to update its members on the 2021 Texas Legislative Session through the Messenger and other communications.
Under the Dome: Texas CSST Disclosure Bill Reintroduced
Last week, Texas Rep. Justin Holland of Rockwall reintroduced legislation from the last legislative session to require homeowner's selling their home to disclose that the home has corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and that CSST may be damaged by lightning, electrical arcing, or punctures, which may result in a release of fuel gas.

If Texas House Bill 1993 passes, the new language would be added to the existing seller's disclosure to home buyers that outlines everything from home features to appliances.

TPGA will keep members up to date on any movement on this legislation or other CSST legislation.
Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP) Updates
The Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have taken steps with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide further relief for America’s mom-and-pop businesses and businesses in rural communities. The PPP program is a forgivable loan designed to help companies retain their workforce during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Most recently, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new opportunity for businesses with less than 20 employees is available under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Through March 9, the SBA is limiting PPP loan approvals to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. 

Some of the updates include:
  • Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period (February 24, 2021 - March 9, 2021) for businesses with fewer than 20 employees
  • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals are eligible to get larger loan amounts under recent revisions. These applicants will be able to use the gross income listed on their tax returns, rather than their net profit, to calculate their maximum loan amount.
  • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP.

Have more than 20 employees? The PPP round 2 is not scheduled to close until March 31, 2021, still giving larger small businesses under 500 employees still time to apply after the above-mentioned 14-day window. As of last week, there were still over $100 billion dollars available in the program.

Have questions? Tune into the webinar mentioned in our next story or find a PPP lender who can help you see if you qualify to apply and the parameters of the loan.
Webinar: Paycheck Protection Program & Disaster Discovery
Tune into the Texas Governor's Office webinar:
Updates on the New Round of PPP Funding & Disaster Recovery
on March 3, 2021,
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

The Governor's panel of experts will provide up-to-date details on the PPP application process, loan forgiveness, and other pandemic and disaster assistance available to Texas small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and/or the severe winter storms.
Quick Links
RECENT REGULATORY ALERT
TIER II DELAYED COMPLIANCE
APRIL 1, 2021 DUE DATE
LEAVE TANKS OUTSIDE
MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT
PROPANE SERVICE CORP
TPGA WINTER FUELS SUPPLY
&
PRICE UPDATE
REGISTER FOR
TEXAS ENERGY DAY
IT'S FREE & VIRTUAL