Bill > SB279

This bill modifies the Texas Health and Safety Code to provide a new process for contested case hearings related to standard air quality permits. Currently, the adoption, amendment, issuance, renewal, or revocation of standard permits is not subject to administrative hearing procedures. The bill now allows individuals to request a contested case hearing on the issuance, renewal, or revocation of a standard permit if they can demonstrate that the action conflicts with provisions of the environmental chapter. Such hearings would be governed by specific requirements in the Government Code and Water Code. The new hearing provisions will only apply to permit applications filed on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025), meaning permit applications filed before that date will continue to be processed under the existing rules. This change provides a mechanism for persons who believe a standard air quality permit decision is improper to challenge that decision through a formal administrative hearing process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB279