86th Texas Legislature Updates: February 7, 2019

Legislators continued filing bills for the 86th Texas Legislative Session. Recently filed bills include legislation relating to the repeal of permit requirements for intrastate shipment of bees, a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer, and a bill to the establish Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Of particular note is House Bill 942, filed on January 22, 2019, by Representative Rafael Anchia. The bill proposes the creation and the duties of a Global Climate Change Commission. The bill states,

“there is broad agreement between nations, across states, and among scientists that increasing emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases released into the earth’s atmosphere are affecting the earth’s climate…. Recognizing the threat to the environment, economy, and national security, it is the intent of the Texas Legislature to create a global climate change commission committed to working toward mitigating the impact of global change nationally and internationally.”

The deadline for the unrestricted filing of bills and joint resolutions–other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and emergency matters submitted by the governor–is March 8, 2019.

House of Representatives

Recently filed bills

• HB 1280: Relating to who may request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality related to the construction of a concrete plant.
• HB 1321: Relating to the Nueces River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.
• HB 1329: Relating to the provision of information regarding certain enforcement actions by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• HB 1330: Relating to the factors to be considered in determining the amount of an administrative penalty assessed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• HB 1331: Relating to the application fee for a permit for a municipal solid waste facility; imposing a fee.
• HB 1344: Relating to the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, including the establishment and use of the non-road diesel sub-account.
• HB 1345: Relating to sources of funding for the Texas emissions reduction plan.
• HB 1346: Relating to the eligibility requirements for the diesel emissions reduction incentive program.
• HB 1346: Relating to the eligibility requirements for the diesel emissions reduction incentive program.
• HB 1390: Relating to the review of municipal solid waste facility permit applications for conformity with regional solid waste management plans.
• HB 1391: Relating to inspections of solid waste facilities conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• HB 1409: Relating to the qualification of land for appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes as timber land or restricted-use timber land.
• HB 1435: Relating to the inspection of a municipal solid waste management facility or site by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality before a permit application is issued, amended, extended, or renewed.
• HB 1436: Relating to the approval of permits for solid waste facilities.
• HB 1491: Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
• HB 1502: Relating to the Lower Colorado River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Senate

RECENTLY FILED BILLS

• SB 573: Relating to the definition of “affected person” for purposes of a contested case hearing held by or for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding certain environmental permit applications.
• SB 578:Relating to the composition of the Riverbend Water Resources District and the terms of the board of directors of that district. 
• SB 638: Relating to seller’s disclosures regarding the proximity of certain residential real property to certain landfills and related facilities.
• SB 649: Relating to promotion of the use of recyclable materials as feed-stock for manufacturing.
• SB 638: Relating to seller’s disclosures regarding the proximity of certain residential real property to certain landfills and related facilities.
• SB 648: Relating to clarifying the law regarding local government prohibitions or restrictions on the sale or use of a container or package.
• SB 655: Relating to a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer.
• SB 677: Relating to repeal of the permit requirement for intrastate shipment of bees.
• SB 669: Relating to the date for the confirmation election for the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District.
• SB 682: Relating to cultivated oyster mariculture; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense.
• SB 698: Relating to the expedited processing of certain applications for permits under the Texas Clean Air Act.

Assigned to Senate Committees

• Natural Resources & Economic Development
  • SB 180: Relating to applications for permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain new or expanded facilities in certain low-income and minority communities.
  • SB 185: Relating to the response to certain oil or gas well accidents by state agencies and responsible parties.
• Water & Rural Affairs
  • SB 179: Relating to the establishment of a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on flood control infrastructure for Harris County.
• Business & Commerce
  • SB 116: Relating to industrial hemp; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
  • SB 236: Relating to the use of certain state property for community food gardens.
• Higher Education
  • SB 345: Relating to the use of land in the William Goodrich Jones State Forest.

More information about the 86th Texas Legislative session can be found at capitol.texas.gov.