Relating to requirements for addressing and preventing damage to underground utility facilities; imposing a fee; creating an offense.
Impact
The implications of HB 3293 are significant, as it proposes to amend existing statutory frameworks regarding environmental regulations. By establishing more stringent guidelines for emissions and waste disposal, the bill could fundamentally alter how businesses operate and interact with state environmental agencies. The expected outcome is an improvement in ecological health across the state, contributing to better living conditions and public safety, particularly in areas currently facing high levels of pollution.
Summary
House Bill 3293 focuses on enhancing environmental protection measures within the state by instituting stricter regulations on pollution control. The bill aims to improve air and water quality by enacting new standards that businesses must comply with while also placing an emphasis on sustainability practices. Proponents of the bill believe that stronger measures are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect public health, especially in vulnerable communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 3293 is largely positive among environmental advocacy groups and public health officials, who view the bill as a necessary step toward robust environmental stewardship. However, some stakeholders, particularly within the business community, express concerns that the new regulations could impose excessive financial burdens and operational constraints. The debate highlights the tension between the need for environmental protection and the economic implications for businesses, particularly small enterprises that may struggle to comply with the heightened standards.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 3293 is the potential impact on local governance. Opponents argue that the bill could undermine local authority by standardizing regulations that might not take into account specific regional needs and ecological conditions. This centralization of regulatory power raises concerns about the ability of local governments to tailor their environmental policies effectively based on the unique challenges they face, leading to a potential clash between state mandates and local autonomy.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
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 local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
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.
Environmental protection: underground storage tanks; placement distance of underground storage tanks from a public water supply system; revise. Amends sec. 21102a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.21102a) & adds sec. 21102b.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Address Certain Recommendations For Undergrounding The State's Utility Facilities As Outlined In The 1999 Legislative Reference Bureau Report Entitled "undergrounding Public Utility Lines".