ACG H.B. 2560 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION H.B. 2560 By: Gallego 4-29-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act authorized and encouraged states to enter into compacts for the efficient management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste. At the direction of the legislature, Texas entered into a compact with Maine and Vermont. Having been approved by the governments of the three compact states, the final step is for the United States Congress to ratify the compact. Although legal interpretation varies, some attorneys believe that if Texas begins to accept low-level radioactive waste for disposal before Congressional ratification of the compact, the state will be required to accept low-level radioactive waste from any state. PURPOSE HB 2560 will prohibit a disposal site from accepting low-level radioactive waste until the compact is ratified. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 402.219(a), Health and Safety Code. Provides that a disposal site may not accept low-level radioactive waste until Congress has ratified the compact. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause.