BILL ANALYSIS
By: Lucio
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) does not have the authority
to provide for payment plans in an enforcement order after a hearing has been held. The fined entity has to pay the amount in full.
Senate Bill 739 allows the TCEQ the discretion to establish an installment payment plan for
administrative penalties assessed against a regulated entity after a hearing. This will help the TCEQ collect more money from fines.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 739 removes language from the Water Code to allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to authorize an installment payment schedule for an administrative penalty assessed after a hearing.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.