BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 162
88R651 SCL-D	By: Murr; Kitzman (Zaffirini)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/11/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Prescribed burning has become a popular tool for landowners to improve the environment. More certified and insured burn managers are available now, and landowners often hire an experienced burn boss to oversee the process. A statutory change is necessary to ensure that the certified and insured burn manager listed on the plan is present on-site during the burn's execution.

H.B. 162 would ensure that if a plan lists a certified and insured prescribed burn manager as the burn boss, then that person must be present on site during the prescribed burn.

H.B. 162 amends current law relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code, as follows:

Sec. 153.047. PRESCRIBED BURNING STANDARDS. Requires that minimum standards established by the Prescribed Burning Board for prescribed burning meet certain criteria, including, if the prescription plan lists a certified and insured prescribed burn manager as the burn boss, require that the burn boss be present on site during the conduct of the prescribed burn, rather than require that at least one certified and insured prescribed burn manager is present on site during the conduct of the prescribed burn.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.