Texas Senate Bill SB939

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Impact

If enacted, SB939 would enhance transparency in the rule-making process by requiring TCEQ to provide a draft impact analysis alongside the notice of proposed environmental rules. This change could lead to a more informed dialogue among stakeholders, including businesses, local governments, and the public, regarding the implications of environmental regulations. The requirement for a robust assessment means that economic impacts on both large entities and small businesses will be more carefully considered than in past drafting processes.

Summary

SB939 focuses on the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This bill mandates that before the TCEQ adopts any environmental rule, it must conduct a comprehensive regulatory analysis to identify the potential economic impacts and environmental effects of the proposed rule. The analysis must address specific factors, including costs expected to be incurred by state agencies, local governments, and affected entities, along with detailed assessments for small businesses.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding SB939. Supporters argue that the rigorous analysis will promote responsible regulation that balances environmental protections with economic interests, especially for small businesses, which are often more vulnerable to regulatory compliance costs. However, opponents may worry that such analysis could slow down the rule-making process, potentially delaying necessary environmental protections. This creates a tension between environmental advocacy and business interests that is likely to drive public and legislative discourse on the bill.