Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

Updates from the Office of Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Texas.

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

I was happy to support the new SpaceX and Tesla Terafab facility being built in Grimes County. With tens of billions in capital investments and thousands of new jobs created in rural Texas, Terafab will clearly be a state-of-the-art facility that keeps our state at the cutting edge of global innovation. Terafab shows that rural Texas is stronger than ever and the Texas Miracle is happening in every corner of our state. #txlege

[SpaceX @SpaceX]

The foundations for an exciting future are being built in Texas. Next up: Terafab → https://t.co/jGg52Zhn5I

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Over the last several years, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) have studied the current and future power needs of Texas. Huge (new to Texas) 765-kV transmission lines to increase power around the state are a part of their plan. 

Unfortunately, neither the PUC nor ERCOT have followed through with a plan that is supported by the vast majority of Texas landowners. The PUC and ERCOT both acknowledged as much during an over 15- hour Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday. 

Hour after hour, witness after witness testified they did not have adequate notice and have no idea where the lines are going because of constant route changes. They also accused ERCOT, the PUC, and the transmission companies of rushing through the process that could significantly affect the use of their land. It’s clear the overwhelming number of witnesses in rural Texas are not supportive of the current process. They want it paused. Some want it stopped entirely. 

Everyone agrees Texas needs the transmission necessary to meet the growing needs of the state. However, support for ERCOT’s 765-kV transmission plan should not come at the expense of private property rights.

I agree with Chairman Schwertner in calling on the PUC to deny the pending applications for 765-kV transmission lines, and not consider re-applications, until the transmission companies can address the serious concerns raised by landowners at Wednesday’s hearing. 

The testimony made it abundantly clear the current process being utilized by the PUC for proposing and approving transmission lines is broken and must be reformed.

If these lines are going to be built, which many believe must be built, then the PUC’s transmission approval process must not only prioritize strengthening the grid, but also protect Texas landowners and communities.

During the 90th Legislative Session beginning in January 2027, the Texas Senate will prioritize addressing this issue. Below is a statement released today by Senate Business and Commerce Committee Chairman Charles Schwerterner, who oversees this issue.

[Charles Schwertner @DrSchwertner]

After hearing hours of testimony from Texas landowners in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, one thing is clear: landowners deserve a fair and transparent CCN process. Texans' property rights must be protected.

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

My statement announcing seven new 2026 Interim Charges to the Texas Senate: https://t.co/Y8UENqT6fj
#txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Today, Speaker @Burrows4TX and I issued the following joint statement requesting an audit of the Broadband Development Office.
#txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Today, Senator @joanhuffman and I issued the following statement applauding the @TRSofTexas Board of Trustees' vote to lower premiums for retired teachers and educators. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Today, Speaker @Burrows4TX and I sent this letter to @TexasHHSC Commissioner Muth, @UTMBhealth, and @UTHealthHouston. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Please join Jan and me in prayer for Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero, his family, and the @TxDPS community.

Every time a member of law enforcement dies in the line of duty, an entire family is impacted for life. Trooper Romero graduated from the academy in 2025. He leaves behind his wife, two young children, his parents, and other family members. Please keep the Romero family in your prayers.

Trooper Romero dedicated his life to protecting Texans. Texans thank law enforcement for risking their lives daily to keep us safe. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

It was great to be at @UTSWMedCenter for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Texas Behavioral Health Center with @TexasHHSC Commissioner Muth, @TanParkerTX, @SenRoyceWest, @RepDavidCook, @RepToniRoseTX, Rep. @VentonJonesTX, @SecJaneNelson, and @RepJohnZerwas.

As Lieutenant Governor, I have prioritized billions of dollars in investments for our state hospital network. Yesterday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dallas reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring Texans have access to critical mental health care across the state. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Today, I joined Chancellor Brandon Creighton @CreightonForTX in swearing in Brett Ligon @LigonForTexas as the newest member of the Texas Senate. Senate District 4 is in great hands, and we are fortunate to welcome another outstanding Senator to serve the people of Texas. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Today, I joined @BNSFRailway in Fort Worth to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Railroads played an important role in shaping and building our nation, and much of Texas.

As someone who loves railway trains, it was an incredible experience to ride aboard one of BNSF’s historic locomotives and see that history come to life. Some of the railcars we traveled in today were once used by President Harry Truman. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Texans are heartbroken over the news of a shooting in Midland. Please join Jan and me in prayer for the victims, their families, and the city of Midland. Please also pray for our brave first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep the Midland community safe. We thank them for their courage.

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

The Truth About Alzheimer’s in Texas

I am very proud of Senate Bill 5, a bill I wrote last legislative session that established the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). DPRIT is focused on Alzheimer’s research in Texas.

Texas is #3 in the nation in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and #2 in deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease. I took on this issue because I’ve seen the pain and suffering this terrible disease causes for our families. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it affects the families who stand beside them.

Hispanics have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than the general population. We need to find out why. Of the 27 top counties in Texas for Alzheimer’s, 23 are on or near the border.

I wasn’t looking to receive an award. But, on Monday, I was honored to accept the @alzassociation Humanitarian of the Year Award for my work to pass SB 5, which established DPRIT. Over 1,000 delegates were at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Advocacy Forum, with over 50 delegates from Texas.

Because of DPRIT, Texas will be a national leader in Alzheimer’s research. I am proud of what we’re building together, right here at home. I want to thank former Speaker Tom Craddick for being my partner in the House in passing this momentous legislation, which commits $300 million per year for 10 years for Dementia research and prevention.

Texas voters overwhelmingly approved the Constitutional Amendment creating DPRIT last year. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

My Joint statement with Speaker @Burrows4TX on 2026 Summer Camp Operations.
https://t.co/pbFmFw5Fjn
#txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Texas Senators write the vast majority of bills, not my office. My staff and I work collaboratively with Senators and their staff on language to achieve final passage of bills.

One of the few exceptions is Senate Bill 4, which I wrote in 2023. I’m proud of Senate Bill 4. It gives local law enforcement in Texas the right to arrest and detain illegal border crossers. I’ve always believed it was constitutional and that it would be a model for other border states.

Open-border activists have sued to try to stop SB 4, but they have failed, and the courts have allowed SB 4 to go into effect. SB 4 is an important tool for Texas to help secure the border, especially if a rogue president, like Biden, refuses to enforce our nation's border laws.

Thank goodness we have President @realDonaldTrump in office now. He is a fantastic partner with Texas to close the southern border to illegal crossers. SB 4 will help Texas support Border Patrol even more. I thank Senator @ElectCharles Perry and Rep. @DavidSpillerTX for passing this bill through both chambers over staunch opposition from Democrats. #txlege

https://t.co/4axFYUiuS0

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Watch Matthew Childress’s powerful summary and testimony for the Heaven’s 27 families. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

After two days of heartbreaking testimony, including from the Heaven’s 27 families, who lost their daughters at Camp Mystic, and from investigators, it’s clear that Camp Mystic was totally unprepared, understaffed, complacent, incompetent, and lacking an evacuation plan.

It's time for @TexasDSHS to act NOW and stop Camp Mystic from operating under any license this summer.

It’s time to end this 10-month journey of indescribable pain for these families and to protect future campers.

Fact: Texas law requires any camp death to be reported to the state within 24 hours. Today, Mary Liz Eastland, the Chief Health Officer and Camp Director, testified that after 10 months, she still has not reported a single death, as required by law. Camp Mystic’s 2026 application for license renewal had 22 deficiencies that were either incomplete, insufficient, or missing, including a flash flood evacuation plan. Shocking testimony was given today showing that children in multiple cabins were left to fend for themselves and fight for their lives.

The evidence is overwhelming. I am now asking DSHS, for the third time, to stop Camp Mystic from operating under any license this summer.

What other information does DSHS need to act? No more excuses. How many campers must die for a camp operator to lose their license? 


Is it 1? 3? 5? 10? Is 27 not enough?

If not for brave teenage counselors, who saved girls by their heroic actions, it could have been 50 or more.

After Mystic operators’ previous courtroom testimony, and these 2 days of legislative testimony, I am also calling on Camp Mystic's operators, the Eastland family, to end this nightmare for Heaven’s 27 and WITHDRAW their license application and announce there will be no camp this summer at Mystic. #txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

Livestream the Senate and House General Investigating Committees on the July 2025 Flooding Events beginning at 10:00 AM: https://t.co/rGAYc55FvU

#txlege

[Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick @LtGovTX]

I have been calling on @TexasDSHS to not renew the camp license for the operators of Camp Mystic for this season until all investigations are complete later this year. Today, House and Senate investigators, after interviewing nearly 140 witnesses, laid out the specific timeline of July 3 and July 4, 2025. Anyone who has not heard the testimony needs to see the video below. It’s factual, riveting, and heartbreaking.

No one wants to close Camp Mystic forever. Once you see and hear the evidence, I think you will clearly understand why I, along with the Heaven’s 27 families who lost their children, have called on DSHS to not renew Camp Mystic’s operators’ license until all investigations are complete later this year and Camp Mystic and its operators are determined to be fit to protect and care for children in their custody.

Tune in tomorrow for the second day of the Senate General Investigating Committee on the July 2025 Flooding Events hearing. #txlege

Watch today's hearing here: https://t.co/TirATrUwfn