86R9514 JTS-F
 
  By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 816
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the regulation by certain municipalities of disposable
  plastic bag use.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 551, Local Government Code, is amended
  by adding Section 551.008 to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.008.  REGULATION OF DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAG USE IN
  CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) Notwithstanding Section
  361.0961(a)(1), Health and Safety Code, a municipality with a
  population of less than 300,000 that holds a Phase I municipal
  separate storm sewer system permit from the Texas Commission on
  Environmental Quality may adopt an ordinance prohibiting or
  restricting the use of disposable plastic bags if:
               (1)  the municipality, through its environmental
  services department if applicable, issues a report on the proposed
  ordinance's potential effects, including on the municipality's
  storm sewer system;
               (2)  the findings of the report are presented at a
  public hearing on the adoption of the proposed ordinance; and
               (3)  the municipality publishes on its Internet website
  for reference by the public and other municipalities:
                     (A)  the report; and
                     (B)  periodic updates to the report with data and
  other findings regarding the actual effects of the ordinance.
         (b)  An ordinance adopted under this section:
               (1)  may not include a new tax or fee related to the use
  of disposable plastic bags;
               (2)  may not be effective for a period longer than three
  years; and
               (3)  may be readopted if the requirements of this
  section are met.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.