BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 328

79R4185 UM-D                                                                                                               By: Staples

Transportation & Homeland Security

3/10/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for overseeing public drinking systems that furnish water for human consumption in Texas.  These systems are considered "critical infrastructure" and must be protected for the well-being of Texas residents. 

As proposed, S.B. 328 requires operators of public water supply systems to report to TCEQ on an unauthorized entry, an act of terrorism against the water supply system, or the theft of property from the water supply system.  This allows TCEQ to be aware of and track security breaches at water treatment facilities in order to better address security issues within the industry.

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 341.033, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (i), to require an owner, agent, manager, operator, or other person in charge of a public water supply system that furnishes water for public or private use to notify the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality immediately of an unauthorized entry at property of the water supply system, an act of terrorism against the water supply system, or the theft of property from the water supply system.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.