By: Zerwas, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Seliger) H.B. No. 610

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 7, 2011; April 14, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Administration; May 4, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 4, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain notices sent by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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

SECTION 1. Section 5.128, Water Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1), (a-2), and (a-3) to read as follows:

(a) The commission shall encourage the use of electronic reporting through the Internet, to the extent practicable, for reports required by the commission. Notwithstanding any other law, the commission may[:

[(1)] adjust fees as necessary to encourage electronic reporting and the use of the commission's electronic document receiving system. An electronic report must be submitted in a format prescribed by the commission. The commission may consult with the Department of Information Resources on developing a simple format for use in implementing this subsection.

(a-1) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission may[; and

[(2)] utilize electronic means of transmission of information, including notices, orders, and decisions issued or sent by the commission.

(a-2) The commission shall utilize electronic means of transmission for any notice issued or sent by the commission to a state senator or representative, unless the senator or representative has requested to receive notice by mail.

(a-3) If the notice issued or sent under Subsection (a-2) concerns a permit for a facility, the notice must include an Internet link to an electronic map indicating the location of the facility.

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

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