SRC-SLL S.B. 321 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 321
By: Armbrister
Natural Resources
2-5-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law authorizes the commissioners court of a county with a
population of less than 100,000 to take certain actions in regard to the
transportation of waste.  Fort Bend County is experiencing serious
problems with illegal dumping in its rural areas and along the Brazos
River. However, since the population is 304,000, the county commissioners
lack the authority to regulate commercial waste haulers. This bill will
authorize the commissioners court of a county with a population of
500,000, rather than 100,000, to take certain actions to regulate the
dumping of waste. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 321 raises the minimum population requirement under
which a commissioners court of a county may take certain actions in regard
to the transportation of 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 368.012, Health and Safety Code, to authorize
the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than
500,000, rather than 100,000, to protect the public health, safety, or
welfare, by ordinance, by taking certain actions regarding the
transportation of waste. 

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