BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1906

By: Howard, Donna

Environmental Regulation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties observe that state regulatory law provides for local enforcement of heavy-duty idling limitations in any city or county that enters into a memorandum of agreement for that purpose with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  Critics of this arrangement observe that the state's heavy-duty idling regulation does not provide an adequate enforcement mechanism for county governments.

H.B. 1906 seeks to establish a reasonable penalty for locally enforced heavy-duty vehicle idling violations in unincorporated areas to foster more efficient enforcement, thereby reducing ozone-forming emissions, improving air quality, and benefiting the citizens of Texas.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1906 amends the Water Code to create a Class C misdemeanor offense for a person who violates a rule adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality concerning locally enforced motor vehicle idling limitations.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.