By: Watson S.B. No. 1757
(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2009; March 20, 2009, read
first time and referred to Committee on Natural Resources;
April 16, 2009, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 0; April 16, 2009,
sent to printer.)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1757 By: Uresti
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality of methods for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so that
they do not enter a wastewater system.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "commission" means the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
(b) The commission shall study and make recommendations
regarding the methods to be used by consumers, health care
providers, and others for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so
that they do not enter a wastewater system. In conducting the
study, the commission shall consider:
(1) the methods currently used in this state by
consumers, health care providers, and others for that purpose;
(2) alternative methods used for that purpose,
including the methods used in other states; and
(3) the effects on public health and the environment
of the various methods used for that purpose.
(c) In conducting the study, the commission may solicit
input from:
(1) the Health and Human Services Commission;
(2) the Department of Public Safety of the State of
Texas;
(3) pharmaceutical manufacturers;
(4) pharmacies;
(5) health care providers, including home health care
providers;
(6) hospitals;
(7) clinics;
(8) long-term care facilities;
(9) entities that engage in medical waste processing
and handling;
(10) solid waste management service providers;
(11) local governments;
(12) ranchers and farmers;
(13) end users of medication;
(14) water utilities and other water suppliers;
(15) the United States Postal Service;
(16) the United States Environmental Protection
Agency; and
(17) any other entity the commission considers
necessary.
(d) Not later than December 1, 2010, the commission shall
submit a report of the results of the study to the legislature. The
report must include:
(1) the commission's recommendations regarding the
methods to be used by consumers, health care providers, and others
for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so that they do not enter a
wastewater system; and
(2) an analysis of the feasibility of implementing the
recommended disposal methods on a statewide basis.
(e) This Act expires January 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.
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