SRC-MAX S.B. 829 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 829
By:  Lindsay
Natural Resources
3-13-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) has
the authority to issue a permit for a solid waste landfill or an expansion
of such a landfill expansion in certain counties.  Granting certain
communities greater oversight capability with respect to landfills may
prove to enhance the health, safety, and economic viability in these
areas.  This bill limits the authority of TNRCC with respect to landfills.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 829 prohibits TNRCC from issuing permits for landfill in
certain counties. 

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 Chapter 361C, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
361.116, as follows: 

Sec.  361.116.  COUNTY APPROVAL OF LANDFILL DISPOSAL SITE.  Provides that
this section applies only to an application for a permit related to a
solid waste disposal landfill  or landfill expansion proposed for a
location in a county with a population of 2.5 million or more.  Prohibits
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission from issuing a permit
for a solid waste disposal landfill or an expansion of such a landfill
unless the commissioners court of the county in which the proposed site of
the landfill or expansion is located approves the proposed site by written
resolution. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.