Texas House Bill HB1433

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/2/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/13/09
• Governor Action: 5/26/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/26/09

Caption

Relating to the amount of the annual water quality fee imposed on holders of wastewater discharge permits and on users of water.

Impact

If enacted, HB1433 will significantly impact water quality regulation in Texas by providing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) with the authority to establish a more flexible fee schedule. The bill will allow the commission to consider various factors, such as waste discharge levels and the designated uses of affected water bodies when determining fees. This is expected to enhance the management of water quality resources and enable more rigorous enforcement of waste discharge standards.

Summary

House Bill 1433 addresses the annual water quality fee imposed on holders of wastewater discharge permits and users of water in Texas. The bill seeks to amend Section 26.0291(e) of the Texas Water Code, increasing the maximum fee from $75,000 to $200,000 for each permit or contract. The new legislation aims to ensure that the fee structure is more reflective of actual permit conditions and expenses incurred by the state in administering water quality management programs.

Contention

The legislation is likely to spark discussions regarding environmental protection compared to economic implications for industries that hold wastewater discharge permits. Supporters may argue that increasing the fees will ensure that the water quality programs are sufficiently funded to protect public health and the environment. Conversely, opponents might contend that such a significant increase in fees could impose financial burdens on businesses operating in the state, particularly those with limited resources.