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78S30143 JJT-F

By:  Swinford                                                     H.B. No. 17 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to permitting procedures of the Texas Commission on 
Environmental Quality.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  (a)  It is the policy of this state to be 
effective and efficient with public funds, to provide for effective 
and efficient management of natural resources, and to serve the 
people of Texas by making the government more visible, accessible, 
coherent, consistent, and accountable to the people of Texas.  The 
legislature finds that the Texas Commission on Environmental 
Quality's procedures for processing permits is cumbersome, 
confusing, lengthy, and inefficient for citizens, business, 
political subdivisions, and the commission.
	(b)  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's 
permitting processes warrant, and the legislature directs, an 
in-depth evaluation, including the identification of problems, 
potential options, and solutions.  The evaluation must solicit and 
consider input from all stakeholders, including public hearings and 
the opportunity for submission of written and oral comments.  The 
solutions identified in the final assessment of the commission's 
permitting processes must ensure that:
		(1)  all relevant environmental protection standards 
are maintained at a level that at least equals the current level;
		(2)  the commission's permitting processes are 
streamlined;                 
		(3)  the commission's permitting processes are 
user-friendly to citizens and promote sound economic development; 
and
		(4)  all stakeholder concerns are considered.                                 
	(c)  A seven-member study committee shall conduct the 
evaluation and final assessment required by Subsection (b) of this 
section and submit its findings not later than December 1, 2004, to 
the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of 
representatives, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 
and the chair of the standing committee of each house of the 
legislature with primary jurisdiction over environmental issues.  
The study committee shall consist of:
		(1)  three appointees of the lieutenant governor;                             
		(2)  three appointees of the speaker of the house of 
representatives; and   
		(3)  one public member appointed by the governor.                             
	(d)  It is the intent of the legislature to effectuate the 
appropriate solutions through legislation at the earliest 
opportunity subsequent to receipt of the study committee's final 
assessment.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the 
last day of the legislative session.