Bill > HB1293

This bill modifies the Texas Health and Safety Code to allow for more flexible outdoor burning regulations during declared states of disaster or emergency. Specifically, the bill prevents the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from requiring prior notification or authorization for controlled outdoor burns of combustible plant growth in counties under a state of disaster or emergency declaration, unless that declaration explicitly prohibits all outdoor burning. This means that during emergency situations like wildfires, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, property owners and land managers would have more latitude to conduct controlled burns to manage vegetation without having to go through the typical bureaucratic approval process with TCEQ regional offices. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing ample time for implementation and preparation by relevant state agencies and stakeholders.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1293