Texas House Bill HB1267

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to civil and administrative penalties assessed or imposed for violations of laws protecting drinking water, public water supplies, and bodies of water.

Impact

If passed, HB1267 would enhance the enforcement mechanisms related to violations of water protection laws within Texas. By imposing stricter civil penalties, the bill seeks to strengthen deterrents against actions that could harm drinking water or public water supplies. This legislative change may instigate higher compliance rates among businesses and others that interact with these critical resources, thereby aiming to safeguard public health and the environment more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1267 proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code concerning civil and administrative penalties associated with violations of laws that protect drinking water and public water supplies. The bill aims to increase accountability for individuals or entities that permit violations of these regulations, establishing a civil penalty range between $50 and $5,000 per violation. It specifically notes that each day a violation continues will count as a separate infraction, potentially leading to significant cumulative fines for ongoing issues.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention regarding the magnitude of the penalties and their impact on businesses. Proponents of the bill argue that higher penalties are necessary to ensure compliance and protect public health; however, some critics could argue that such penalties might disproportionately affect smaller businesses or individuals who may inadvertently violate regulations. Additionally, there may be discussions around the practical implementation and the potential burden on the regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing these new standards.