BILL ANALYSIS
By: Bonnen
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) does not have the flexibility to adjust the fees that permit applicants pay to encourage the use of the agency's electronic permitting system. The TCEQ e-permitting system will allow applicants to file a permit application, pay associated application fees, and print out a permit authorization in a matter of minutes. Similarly, the agency offers the ability to file several different high-volume required reports electronically. The use of these electronic services improves agency efficiency and data quality. Increased use of the e-permitting system has the potential to save TCEQ time and money.
House Bill 1254 will allow TCEQ to adjust fees to encourage electronic reporting and the use of the TCEQ's electronic document receiving system.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
House Bill 1254 amends the Water Code to allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to adjust fees as necessary to encourage electronic reporting and the use of TCEQ's electronic document receiving system.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.