Patrick directs committees to examine data center growth and THC impacts

AUSTIN, Texas - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released more interim charges for Texas Senate committees ahead of the next legislative session.

The impacts of data center growth in the state, THC and gambling are all among the issues Patrick will direct senate committees to investigate prior to the 2027 legislative session.

The new list comes after he released five priorities in January that included preventing Sharia Law in the state, increasing property tax cuts, investigating Medicaid fraud and promoting America and Texas first agendas in schools.

Three committees will look at data centers

Three committees were directed to look at the impact data centers are having on the state.

The water, agriculture and rural affairs committee will look at the water demands for "energy-intensive technologies." The committee's goal is to look at water consumption rates and find a way to prevent industrial growth from compromising the cost of water to residents and farmers.

The business and commerce committee will look at infrastructure frameworks to meet the demand for large electrical loads from data centers and find ways to balance the increase in data centers against the impacts on landowners.

Patrick is asking the finance committee to look at the sales tax exemption given to data centers to make sure Texans are benefiting from the investment.

Patrick continues push to ban THC

The health and human services committee was charged with studying "the impact of THC on increased health care costs, mental health emergency detentions, and the risk of being diagnosed with a THC-induced psychotic disorder."

Patrick's push to ban THC products was a top legislative priority last session before the bill that passed the legislature was vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Other priorities for senate committees

Prediction market gambling found its way into Patrick's crosshairs for the upcoming session as he's directing the state affairs committee to find ways to close loopholes that have allowed companies like Kalshi and Polymarket to operate in the state despite a general ban on gambling in Texas. The committee will be asked to make recommendations that "ensure the integrity of Texas elections and Texas sports."

Patrick is also directing the committee to look at election security and efficiency by studying how counties count ballots, use polling locations specific to a political party and allow access for poll watchers.

Committees will look at increasing the homestead exemption for property taxes and lowering the senior exemption from 65 to 55.

The full list of Patrick's priorities can be found here.