Relating to the creation of a Don't Mess with Texas Water program to prevent illegal dumping that affects the surface waters of this state.
Impact
The implementation of this bill is expected to enhance the state's ability to monitor and combat illegal dumping through increased community involvement. By encouraging citizens to report violations, the program can lead to more timely and effective law enforcement responses. Furthermore, the bill requires local governments wishing to join the initiative to share in the costs of the toll-free hotline, thus promoting a partnership approach to water safety and environmental protection.
Summary
House Bill 3543 seeks to create a 'Don't Mess with Texas Water' program aimed at curtailing illegal dumping that adversely affects the surface waters of Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement and manage this program, which will involve notifying the public through signage at major highway water crossings. The signs will display a toll-free number that citizens can use to report illegal dumping activities directly to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Contention
While this bill is largely aimed at protecting the state's water resources, there could be potential points of contention regarding local government's financial contributions to the program. Some local governments may oppose this requirement, viewing it as an undue financial burden, especially if their communities are already managing other environmental programs. Additionally, discussions may arise around the effectiveness of utilizing a hotline versus other reporting mechanisms, as well as concerns regarding the potential increase in regulatory oversight and law enforcement involvement.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of diverting or impounding the flow of surface water in a manner that damages the property of another by the overflow of the water diverted or impounded.
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of diverting or impounding the flow of surface water in a manner that damages the property of another by the overflow of the water diverted or impounded.
Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to illegal entry into this state from Mexico by a person who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.