Relating to the sale, recovery, and recycling of certain television equipment; providing administrative penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB 821 would amend the Health and Safety Code, introducing new stipulations on the sale, recovery, and recycling of televisions and computers. Manufacturers would need to affix visible labels to their products indicating compliance with the recovery requirements. This bill is positioned to pave the way for a cleaner environment by ensuring that obsolete electronic products are not simply discarded but properly recycled or reused, thus minimizing their impact on landfills. Additionally, it could set a precedent for future environmental regulations surrounding electronic devices in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 821 aims to tackle the growing issue of electronic waste by establishing a comprehensive program for the recycling of televisions and computer equipment in Texas. The bill requires manufacturers to adopt and implement recovery plans that allow consumers to return their used electronic devices for recycling without incurring additional fees. These recovery plans must be accessible and convenient for consumers throughout the state, reinforcing the collaborative responsibilities of manufacturers, retailers, and the state government in addressing electronic waste. The legislation emphasizes environmental stewardship while facilitating consumer participation in recycling efforts.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions regarding the enforcement of compliance among manufacturers and potential penalties for non-compliance, which could reach $25,000 for repeated violations. Supporters argue that imposing such responsibilities on manufacturers will uphold environmental standards and promote responsible business practices. Conversely, there are concerns about whether the burden placed on manufacturers might be detrimental to smaller businesses unable to absorb the cost of developing recovery plans. The tension reinforces a broader conversation about balancing environmental goals with economic realities and the potential inequalities between large and small manufacturers.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.
Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.
Relating to a program for the recycling of electronic equipment of consumers and certain other entities in this state; providing administrative penalties.