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.