SRC-SLL H.B. 473 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 473 By: Howard (Armbrister) Natural Resources 5-6-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than 100,000 is authorized to take certain actions to control commercial dumping in the county. Fort Bend County is experiencing problems with illegal commercial dumping in its rural areas and along the Brazos River. The current population of the county is 304,000; thus the commissioners court is not authorized to take action under the current statute. This bill will authorize the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than 375,000 to license waste haulers. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 473 authorizes the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than 375,000 to license waste haulers. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 368.012, Health and Safety Code, to authorize the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than 375,000, rather than less than 100,000, to take certain actions regarding waste haulers to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.