SRC-SLL, JBJ C.S.H.B. 1654 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1654
76R15597 MI-FBy: Maxey (Brown)
Natural Resources
5/12/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Prior to 1996, criminal prosecutions were authorized for violations of
state or county regulations regarding on-site sewage disposal systems.  The
local county health and human services department enforced the rules by
approving the design, inspecting the installation, and responding to
complaints involving the operation of these systems.  Justice of the peace
courts maintained enforcement through the filing of criminal complaints.
However, in 1996, sections of the Water Code and the Health and Safety Code
were repealed, and criminal prosecutions were no longer possible.  C.S.H.B.
1654 sets forth regulations regarding private sewage facilities; provides a
criminal penalty. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 1654 sets forth regulations regarding private sewage
facilities; provides a criminal penalty. 

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 7.173, Water Code, as follows:

Sec.  7.173.  New heading: VIOLATION RELATING TO SEWAGE DISPOSAL.  Deletes
existing text providing that an offense is committed if a person violates
certain rules, orders, or resolutions in a county that is contiguous to an
international border.   

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. 

SECTION 3.Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.