Honorable J. M. Lozano, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4584 by Hefner (Relating to sale of returnable containers; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Business and Commerce Code to extend an existing offense relating to the sale and recycling of plastic bulk containers to the sale or recycling of containers made of any material. The offense expanded by this bill would be a Class C misdemeanor as defined by the bill.
Local Government Impact
A Class C misdemeanor as defined in this bill carries a fine of up to $350 if the total purchase price of the containers is under $1,000 and up to $700 if the purchase price exceeds $1,000. These maximum amounts would be doubled if the individual had previously been convicted of the offense.
Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.