BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1667
80R9679 EJI-D By: Averitt
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law sets the maximum penalty fee for a violation of a mining permit at $5,000. The Railroad Commission of Texas recommends increasing the maximum penalty for a violation of the Texas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act to reflect the impact of inflation since the fee was established in the 1970s.
As proposed, S.B. 1667 increases the maximum penalty from $5,000 to $10,000 for a violation of coal mining and reclamation operations or underground mining operations permit.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 134.174(b), Natural Resources Code, to prohibit the administrative penalty assessed by the Railroad Commission of Texas against a person who violates a condition for a permit (to conduct coal mining and reclamation operations or underground mining operations) or this chapter from exceeding $10,000, rather than $5,000.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.