BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1491
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
A supplemental environmental project (SEP) is a means for directing fines, fees, and penalties for environmental violations toward environmentally beneficial uses. SEPs can include a wide range of actions that protect or improve the environment in or near the community where an environmental violation took place. The use of SEPs advances the goals of clean air, water, and soil through Texas and enhances the environment in communities affected by environmental violations. Currently SEPs do not include funds to be used to promote cancer awareness to the public where the environmental violation took place.
As proposed, S.B. 1491 includes a project that provides free screenings for the early detection of breast or prostate cancer in the definition of "supplemental environmental project."
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 7.067 (b), Water Code, to redefine "supplemental environmental project" to include a project that provides free screenings for the early detection of breast or prostate cancer.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.