Honorable Kip Averitt, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
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 the methods for safely handling and disposing of certain medical waste.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
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: 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 the results of the study and agency recommendations for safely handling and disposing of pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, and other potentially dangerous medical waste.
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.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.