SRC-SLL H.B. 1016 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1016
By: Puente (Madla)
Natural Resources
5-8-97
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) is authorized
to impose fees for processing plans subject to review under TNRCC's rules
for the protection of the Edwards Aquifer and the inspection of projects
in those plans.  The applicable TNRCC rules regulate activities having the
potential for polluting the Edwards Aquifer and hydrologically connected
surface streams. Currently, TNRCC has limited funds for the Edwards
Aquifer program.  Program fees specifically targeted for the Edwards
Aquifer programs would help remedy the problem of limited funding for
Edwards Aquifer pollution prevention.  This bill will increase the maximum
amount of the fee TNRCC may charge for processing plans and requires the
fees to be used only for TNRCC's Edwards Aquifer programs. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1016 increases the maximum amount of the fee the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) may charge for processing
plans, and requires the fees to be used only for TNRCC's Edwards Aquifer
programs. 

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 Sections 26.0461(a), (d), and (h), Water Code, to
authorize Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to impose
fees for inspecting the maintenance of certain projects.  Prohibits a fee
imposed under this section from being more than $5,000, rather than
$2,000.  Requires a fee collected under this section to be deposited in
the State Treasury to the credit of the water quality fund to be used only
for TNRCC's Edwards Aquifer programs. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amendment 1.

(1) On page 1, lines 6 and 7, strike the recitation and substitute
"Sections 26.0461(a), (d), and (h), Water Code, are amended to read as
follows: 

(2) On page 1, between lines 7 and 8, immediately before Subsection (d),
Section 26.0461, Water Code, insert: 
 
(a)  The commission may impose fees for processing plans or amendments to
plans that are subject to review and approval under the commission's rules
for the protection of the Edwards Aquifer and for inspecting the
construction and maintenance of projects covered by those plans.