Relating to providing notice to a state representative and senator of an administrative penalty assessed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
This bill amends existing sections of the Water Code regarding the notification procedures for administrative penalties. Specifically, it requires TCEQ to publish notices related to penalties in the Texas Register and notify local representatives within a specified timeframe. These changes are intended to foster accountability and oversight by involving elected officials in the penalty assessment process, thereby reinforcing the connection between state environmental management and local governance.
House Bill 4758 focuses on improving the transparency and communication process related to administrative penalties imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill mandates that the TCEQ provide notice to the state representative and senator for the area where any violation resulting in a penalty occurs. By enhancing how these penalties are communicated to local lawmakers, the bill aims to ensure that elected officials are informed about environmental issues affecting their districts and can engage with these matters effectively.
While the bill generally found support among legislators, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Some individuals may argue that adding additional notification requirements could lead to bureaucratic delays or complicate the enforcement process. However, proponents of HB 4758 are likely to counter that the benefits of improved communication and transparency with local legislators outweigh such concerns. The overarching goal is to enhance community engagement and ensure that local voices are part of the conversation when environmental penalties are assessed.