BILL ANALYSIS
By: McReynolds
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
During the 77th Legislative Session, H.B. 3355 passed that allows agricultural producers to operate with a water quality plan developed under the auspices of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board (SSWCB). The ultimate purpose of the legislation was to further protect and preserve the integrity of groundwater. Prior to the passage of this legislation, an agricultural producer who intended to bury animal carcasses on his property was required to, among other things, contact the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), now known as Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and record a notation of such burial in the deed records of the respectful county courthouse. Current law allows producers who hold a water quality management plan to bury agricultural waste without having to file deeds for burial. However, in oversight, the notification requirement to the agency was not removed.
HB 1719 removes the notification requirement to TCEQ for reporting the burial of animal carcasses.
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
HB 1719 deletes the requirement for reporting the burial of animal carcasses to the state agency for landowners who are currently participating in a water quality management plan.
This bill also makes conforming changes throughout the bill to the name of the agency.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.