Honorable Patricia Harless, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3117 by Burkett (Relating to the authority of the attorney general to settle certain civil suits initiated by a local government.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code to authorize the Office of the Attorney General to enter into settlements of civil enforcement cases involving Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) without the consent of local governments. It is assumed that the OAG and TCEQ would need to update agency policies, procedures, and training material; however, it is anticipated that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
There could be a fiscal impact to a local governmental entity that would vary depending on the number of suits that are settled and the amount of the settlement for a claim; however, the amounts are not anticipated to be significant.