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AN ACT
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relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 153.047. PRESCRIBED BURNING STANDARDS. Minimum |
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standards established by the board for prescribed burning must: |
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(1) ensure that prescribed burning is the controlled |
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application of fire to naturally occurring or naturalized |
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vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions in |
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accordance with a written prescription plan: |
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(A) designed to confine the fire to a |
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predetermined area and to accomplish planned land management |
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objectives; and |
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(B) that conforms to the standards established |
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under this section; |
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(2) if the prescription plan lists a certified and |
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insured prescribed burn manager as the burn boss, require that the |
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burn boss be [at least one certified and insured prescribed burn |
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manager is] present on site during the conduct of the prescribed |
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burn; |
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(3) establish appropriate guidelines for size of |
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burning crews sufficient to: |
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(A) conduct the burn in accordance with the |
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prescription plan; and |
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(B) provide adequate protection for the safety of |
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persons and of adjacent property; |
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(4) include standards for notification to adjacent |
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land owners, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and |
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local fire authorities; and |
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(5) include minimum insurance requirements for |
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certified and insured prescribed burn managers. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 162 was passed by the House on April |
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6, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 1 present, not |
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voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 162 was passed by the Senate on May |
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16, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: _____________________ |
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Date |
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_____________________ |
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Governor |