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.