SRC-SLL H.B. 717 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 717 By: Bosse (Whitmire) Natural Resources 4-23-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the laws regarding illegal dumping do not apply to the "disposal of, or temporary storage for future disposal of litter or other solid waste by a person on land owned by that person, or by that person's agent." This current language of this section leaves an open door for unauthorized dumping of commercial waste that is imported to a person's land. This bill will tighten the restrictions to allow a landowner to temporarily store or dump litter or solid waste on his or her own property only if that waste is generated on that land or from the landowner's residence. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 717 provides regulations regarding the disposal or temporary storage of litter or solid waste. 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 365.012(j), Health and Safety Code, to provide that this section does not apply to an individual's disposal of, or temporary storage for future disposal of, litter or other solid waste if the litter or waste is generated on land the individual owns, the disposal or storage occurs on land the individual owns, and the disposal is not for a commercial purpose. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.