BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 579
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
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 in an automotive, aviation, commercial, or residential air conditioning or refrigeration system. Hydrocarbon refrigerant technology has reached new levels and now replicates the cooling characteristics of CFC R-12 (Freon), but is prohibited from being used in any application. This technology has been embraced by governments and organizations around the world because it does not deplete the ozone or contribute to global warming and it saves energy.
As proposed, S.B. 579 creates an exception for a refrigerant or equipment that is purchased for use in a commercial or residential air conditioning system that requires 15 pounds or less of a refrigerant from application of Section 1302.356(1) (relating to the prohibition of a person from selling a flammable refrigerant or refrigerant substitute that contains a liquid petroleum-based product for use in certain systems), Occupations Code.
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. Amends Section 1302.453(b), Occupations Code, as follows:
(b) Provides that it is an exception to the application of this section with respect to a purchase of a refrigerant or equipment containing a refrigerant in this state in violation of Section 1302.356(1) (relating to the prohibition of a person from selling a flammable refrigerant or refrigerant substitute that contains a liquid petroleum-based product for use in certain systems), rather than Section 1302.356, that the refrigerant or equipment is purchased for use in a commercial or residential air conditioning system that requires 15 pounds or less of refrigerant. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.