Bill > HB2891

This bill increases administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violations under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas, primarily by raising maximum daily fines from lower amounts to $25,000 across multiple sections of the Natural Resources Code and Water Code. The bill requires the Commission to develop comprehensive penalty guidelines that consider various factors such as the history of previous violations, the seriousness of the violation, potential public health and safety hazards, degree of culpability, demonstrated good faith, economic benefits gained through the violation, and the need to deter future violations. New provisions also require the Commission to provide an opportunity for public input when developing these penalty guidelines and to establish a penalty calculation worksheet that specifies typical penalties, potential enhancements, and potential reductions based on specific circumstances. The changes will only apply to violations committed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, with previous violations continuing to be governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2891