| TO: | Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1757 by Watson (Relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of methods for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so that they do not enter a wastewater system.), As Engrossed |
The bill would direct the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to perform a study of: the methods currently used in the state to safely handle and dispose of pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, and other potentially dangerous medical waste; alternative methods include methods used in other states; and effects on public health and the environment of the various methods. In conducting this study, the bill would direct the TCEQ to solicit input from: the Health and Human Services Commission; the Department of Public Safety; pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmacies; health care providers; hospitals; clinics; long-term care facilities; medical waste processors and handlers; solid waste management service providers; local governments; ranchers and farmers; end users of medication; water utilities and other water suppliers; U.S. Postal Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and any other entity necessary. The agency would be required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, containing recommendations and an analysis of feasibility of implementing recommended disposal methods on a statewide basis.
The TCEQ reports that the cost of the study required by the bill would be $300,000 and would require a third party contractor to provide the needed information. This estimate assumes that the agency could absorb these costs within its existing budget.
| Source Agencies: | 582 Commission on Environmental Quality
|
| LBB Staff: | JOB, SZ, ZS, TL, SD
|