Bill > HB482

This bill amends two sections of the Texas Water Code to require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide additional notification when taking certain administrative actions. Specifically, when the TCEQ is required to give notice of a penalty or is proposing to approve an administrative order or settlement agreement, the commission must now not only publish notice in the Texas Register, but also directly notify the state representative and state senator representing the area where the environmental violation occurred. The bill aims to increase transparency and legislative awareness of environmental enforcement actions by ensuring local elected officials are informed about penalties and proposed settlements in their districts. These changes will require the TCEQ to take an extra step in its administrative process by identifying and contacting the relevant local legislators when environmental enforcement actions are being considered. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving the TCEQ time to prepare for implementing these new notification requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB482