BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1290

79R8905 JJT-D                                                                                                          By: Wentworth

Natural Resources

3/31/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current Texas law under Section 1302.356 (Sale or Use of Certain Refrigerants Prohibited), Occupations Code, prohibits the sale or use of a flammable refrigerant or refrigerant substitute that contains a liquid petroleum-based product for use in an automotive, aviation, commercial, or residential air conditioning or refrigeration system.

Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant technology has reached new thresholds and now replicates the cooling characteristics of CFC R-12 (freon), but is prohibited from being utilized in any application.  HC technology has been embraced by governments and organizations throughout the world because of its non-ozone depleting, non-global warming, and energy saving qualities.

As proposed, S.B. 1290 repeals Section 1302.356, Occupations Code, prohibiting the above- mentioned sales.

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.  Repealer: Section 1302.356 (Sale or Use of Certain Refrigerants Prohibited), Occupations Code.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 1302.453(a), Occupations Code, to make a conforming change.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.