Bill > SB2203

This bill amends Section 2003.047 of the Government Code to modify procedures for certifying discovery issues in administrative hearings handled by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill requires the two agencies to jointly develop and publish rules that: (1) specify which issues are appropriate for certification, (2) establish a procedure for administrative law judges to promptly certify discovery-related issues when a party files a motion, and (3) create a time limit where a certified issue automatically expires if not considered by the commission within 15 days of filing. Additionally, the bill allows administrative law judges to pause hearing deadlines when a discovery issue is certified, with the pause lasting until either the commission considers the issue or the certification expires. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the required immediate effect vote.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2203