ERCOT would get a ‘kill switch’ for large consumers under bill tentatively passed in House ... and more news

Senate Bill 6’s so-called “kill switch” provision, which would give the Electric Reliability Council of Texas the power to shut off power to large consumers during power grid emergencies, has faced the most attention in a substantial legislative proposal designed to address issues facing the ERCOT power grid. The bill passed 117-24. In other news, Texas public schools are on the verge of garnering a record-breaking increase in state funding after the Senate approved a wide-ranging finance bill on Friday; the city of Dallas is hosting an Expedited Passport Day for residents who need to obtain or renew their passports. The event will take place on Thursday, May 29, in the Flag Room on the sixth floor of Dallas City Hall from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents must register in advance and choose a 15-minute time slot. It takes two to three weeks to get the passport through the expedited process. The cost for adults seeking their passports for the first time is $225. It’s $190 to renew and $195 for minors. These prices already include the $60 fee for expedited processing. Payments will only be accepted via credit or debit card or money order. Cash is not accepted. All passport applicants, including minors, must be present; and an effort that would force some of Texas’ most iconic foods and drinks — including Dr Pepper, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Buc-ee’s Famous Beaver Nuggets — to change recipes or label their products as “not recommended for human consumption” was decisively rejected by the Texas House on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices