Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB860

Caption

Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application.

Impact

The bill's provisions are poised to apply only to permit applications pending before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on or after the bill's effective date, which is set for September 1, 2021. As such, any applications submitted after this date will require adherence to the new timelines, potentially leading to more predictable and stable processing times for environmental permits. The intention behind this change is to enhance efficiency within the environmental permitting system, thereby reducing the administrative burden on both applicants and the TCEQ.

Summary

House Bill 860 focuses on the procedural aspects of applications for environmental permits prior to contested case hearings. It specifically amends Section 2003.047 of the Government Code by introducing a new subsection (d-1), which restricts applicants from making changes to their applications within 31 days leading up to a scheduled preliminary hearing. This legislative move is seen as a mechanism to streamline the permitting process, reducing last-minute alterations that could prolong hearings and complicate administrative procedures.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill will help maintain order in the permit application process and mitigate disruptions during contested case hearings, there may be concerns regarding the flexibility it removes from applicants. Critics could point out that limiting modifications so close to hearings might hinder applicants' ability to refine their proposals based on evolving circumstances or new information. This tightening of the timeline could disproportionately affect applicants who may need to make crucial changes based on community feedback or regulatory updates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB411

Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application.

TX HB934

Relating to the definition of "affected person" for purposes of a contested case hearing held by or for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding certain environmental permit applications.

TX HB1360

Relating to a required online posting of certain environmental and water use permit applications.

TX HB1194

Relating to the requirement of a public hearing on certain applications for a permit to drill an oil or gas well.

TX HB758

Relating to the deadline to request a contested case hearing on an authorization to use a standard permit for a concrete plant.

TX SB817

Relating to the deadline to request a contested case hearing on an authorization to use a standard permit for a concrete plant.

TX SB638

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB3932

Relating to the authority to issue and required notice for certain alcoholic beverage permit applications.

TX HB4254

Relating to decisions of an administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings in contested cases.

TX HB1971

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.