By: Lucio III, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hegar) H.B. No. 451

(In the Senate - Received from the House March 28, 2011; April 7, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural Resources; May 11, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 0; May 11, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a Don't Mess with Texas Water program to prevent illegal dumping that affects the surface waters of this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 26.053 to read as follows:

Sec. 26.053. DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS WATER PROGRAM. (a) The commission by rule shall establish a program to prevent illegal dumping that affects the surface waters of this state by placing signs on major highway water crossings that notify drivers of a toll-free number to call to report illegal dumping.

(b) The commission shall establish a toll-free number hotline that will forward calls to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

(c) A local government may work with the commission to participate in the program. A local government that participates in the program may contribute to the cost of operating the toll-free number hotline.

(d) The Texas Department of Transportation shall cooperate with the commission in the placement of signs described by Subsection (a).

(e) The Texas Department of Transportation shall post a sign that complies with program requirements at a major highway water crossing at the time a previously posted sign identifying the crossing or prohibiting dumping at the crossing is scheduled to be replaced.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

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