TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1516

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1516

Caption

Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.

Impact

By adjusting the penalties for violations under the Natural Resources and Water Codes, SB1516 is expected to create a stronger deterrent against non-compliance. The amendments specify that penalties could reach $25,000 for general violations and $200,000 for violations specifically tied to pipeline safety. The changes are designed to better reflect the seriousness of such violations, which can pose significant risks to public health and environmental safety. Furthermore, the updates include considerations of a violator's previous history, potential hazards to public safety, and economic benefits gained through violations when determining penalties.

Summary

Senate Bill 1516 aims to strengthen the enforcement capabilities of the Railroad Commission of Texas by increasing administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for various violations. The bill proposes significant increases in the maximum daily fines for non-compliance, particularly relating to pipeline safety regulations. This legislative change underscores an overarching goal of ensuring robust public safety standards and environmental protection measures within the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from those advocating for stricter oversight of the Railroad Commission, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of increased fines on small businesses and operators within the industry. Critics argue that such penalties may disproportionately affect smaller entities, potentially stifling local economic growth and operations. There are debates around the fairness of the increased penalties, especially given varying levels of compliance capabilities among businesses and operators, particularly those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas.

Companion Bills

TX HB1043

Same As Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4786

Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3853

Relating to authorizing a change in the amount of certain administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB3913

Relating to the disposition and use of the state's portion of civil penalties recovered in suits brought by local governments for violations of certain laws under the jurisdiction of, or rules adopted or orders or permits issued by, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB4388

Relating to certain procedures for civil suits brought by local governments or certain other persons for violations of certain laws under the jurisdiction of, or rules adopted or orders or permits issued by, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB2437

Relating to the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing the assessment or increase of civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB44

Relating to civil and administrative penalties assessed for violations of statutes or rules governing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

TX SB2474

Relating to civil and administrative penalties assessed for violations of statutes or rules governing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.