81R11108 JSC-D
By: Edwards H.B. No. 2159
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study regarding the health and safety issues posed by
uncovered ditches that abut surface streets.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "department" means the
Department of State Health Services.
(b) The department shall conduct a study regarding the
health and safety issues that may arise from the presence of
uncovered ditches that abut surface streets.
(c) The study must:
(1) identify any health and safety concerns posed by
uncovered ditches that abut surface streets, including:
(A) the public health issues that may arise from
standing water accumulating in ditches; and
(B) traffic hazards that may be caused by the
ditches; and
(2) propose solutions to address any problems
identified.
(d) Not later than September 1, 2010, the department shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house
of representatives, and presiding officers of the relevant standing
committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over the department
a written report containing the findings of the study and the
department's recommendations.
(e) This Act expires September 1, 2011.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.