81R11108 JSC-D
 
  By: Edwards H.B. No. 2159
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study regarding the health and safety issues posed by
  uncovered ditches that abut surface streets.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a) In this section, "department" means the
  Department of State Health Services.
         (b)  The department shall conduct a study regarding the
  health and safety issues that may arise from the presence of
  uncovered ditches that abut surface streets.
         (c)  The study must:
               (1)  identify any health and safety concerns posed by
  uncovered ditches that abut surface streets, including:
                     (A)  the public health issues that may arise from
  standing water accumulating in ditches; and
                     (B)  traffic hazards that may be caused by the
  ditches; and
               (2)  propose solutions to address any problems
  identified.
         (d)  Not later than September 1, 2010, the department shall
  submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house
  of representatives, and presiding officers of the relevant standing
  committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over the department
  a written report containing the findings of the study and the
  department's recommendations.
         (e)  This Act expires September 1, 2011.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.