81R10075 JTS-D
By: Lucio III H.B. No. 3543
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
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.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended
by adding Section 26.053 to read as follows:
Sec. 26.053. DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS WATER PROGRAM. (a) The
commission by rule shall establish a program to prevent illegal
dumping that affects the surface waters of this state by placing
signs on major highway water crossings that notify drivers of a
toll-free number to call to report illegal dumping.
(b) The commission shall establish a toll-free number
hotline that will forward calls to the appropriate law enforcement
agency.
(c) A local government may work with the commission to
participate in the program. A local government that participates
in the program must contribute to the cost of operating the
toll-free number hotline.
(d) The Texas Department of Transportation shall cooperate
with the commission in the placement of signs described by
Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.