Texas Senate Bill SB1757

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/31/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of methods for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so that they do not enter a wastewater system.

Impact

Once enacted, SB1757 requires a report from TCEQ to the legislature by December 1, 2010, containing not only the findings on existing disposal methods but also recommendations for best practices moving forward. By highlighting the need for proper disposal solutions, the bill seeks to enhance public health safety and environmental protection. The emphasis on feasibility analysis for the recommended methods implies a potential for introducing new regulations concerning pharmaceutical disposal in Texas, possibly shaping the future of waste management laws as they pertain to healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Summary

SB1757 mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to conduct a comprehensive study on the best methods for the disposal of unused pharmaceuticals, aiming to prevent them from entering wastewater systems. The bill reflects a growing concern regarding pharmaceutical contaminants in public water supplies and their potential health implications. Through this initiative, the study is expected to explore current disposal methods used by consumers and healthcare providers while assessing practices from other states. The ultimate goal is to establish effective guidelines that minimize environmental and health risks associated with pharmaceutical waste.

Contention

There are no significant points of contention explicitly mentioned in the documents regarding SB1757. However, it can be inferred that debates may arise over the implementation of the recommendations, especially regarding the costs associated with introducing new disposal methods. Stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare providers, waste management services, and local governments, may have differing views on the feasibility and practicality of the proposed solutions. As the TCEQ prepares to gather input from a wide range of contributors, discussions will likely emerge around the balance between environmental protection and the operational challenges faced by those involved in the disposal process.