Bill > HB4815

This bill modifies the Texas Health and Safety Code to limit liability for owners and operators of certain industrial facilities when unauthorized air emissions result from a criminal act committed by someone other than the owner or operator. Specifically, the bill adds a provision that exempts owners and operators of sources or facilities with specific Standard Industrial Classification Codes from civil, administrative, or criminal liability under the Water Code if an air contaminant is emitted due to a criminal act by a third party. The change in law will only apply to air emissions occurring on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or on September 1, 2025, if the immediate vote threshold is not met. This legislative change appears to provide additional protection for industrial facility owners and operators by removing their potential liability in situations where unauthorized emissions are caused by criminal actions beyond their control.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4815