SRC-TJG H.B. 2940 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2940
78R7310 JTS-DBy: McReynolds (Jackson)
Natural Resources
5/14/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Environmental Education Partnership (TEEP) was established  in
1999 by the Texas Legislature as a public/private nonprofit education
partnership for development, implementation, and continued operation of
environmental education projects, activities, and programs.  The State of
Texas does not provide any type of funding for TEEP; however, other states
provide some funding for similar programs in their states. 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)  administers
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP).  SEPs are projects designed to
prevent and reduce pollution in the environment as well as educate the
public about environmental issues.  Businesses which are under enforcement
actions with TCEQ may decide to perform an SEP in conjunction with or in
leiu of a fine.  A business which chooses an SEP must have its project
approved by TCEQ.  The project could be within the business's community or
with an entity authorized by TCEQ.    

TEEP is an authorized  entity to administer SEPs.  Monies received for SEP
projects are currently unable to be used for any administrative cost.
H.B. 2940 allows the Texas Environmental  Education Partnership Fund Board
to use no more than seven percent of any SEP monies for the purpose of
carrying out the requirements the legislature delegated to this board. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 6, Chapter 105, Acts of the 76th Legislature,
Regular Session, 1999 (Article 2654-3g, V.T.C.S.), by adding Subsection
(d) to authorize the board of directors of the Texas Environmental
Education Partnership Fund (board), notwithstanding Subsection (b) of this
section, to use for the board's administrative costs an amount equal to
not more than seven percent of the amount deposited to the credit of the
Texas Environmental Education Partnership Fund that was given to the board
for supplemental environmental projects under Section 7.067 (Supplemental
Environmental Projects), Water Code. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.