Texas House Bill HB3543

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/4/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/09

Caption

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.