By: Rodriguez S.B. No. 1067

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of economically recyclable materials, economic impacts to the state and local governments of existing and increased recycling, the development of new markets for recycled materials and any infrastructure needs, and the potential to increase state revenues.

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

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In the Act:

(1) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

(2) "Recycling" has the meaning assigned by Section 361.421, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE; STUDY. (a) The commission shall convene an advisory committee established under Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code.

(b) The commission through the advisory committee shall conduct a study quantifying the amount of materials currently being recycled, economic impacts including lost state and local revenues from the materials that are not being recycled, and to identify ways to develop new markets to increase recycling. The study must:

(1) assess current recycling efforts and identify ways in which the private and public sectors can improve and increase those efforts;

(2) Identify new markets and business that may be available from existing and increased recycling of materials;

(3) investigate available and new funding for efforts that are identified;

(4) assess current associated jobs and additional job creation opportunities with existing and increased recycling; and

(5) assess rural infrastructure needs and development opportunities.

(c) The advisory committee shall prepare a written report on the results of the study, and submit the report to the commission for inclusion into the Municipal Solid Waste Annual Summary Report.

SECTION 5. EXPIRATION. This Act expires August 31, 2017.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2015.