LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION May 20, 2009 TO: Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:SB1757 by Watson (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.), As Engrossed No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would direct the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to perform a study of: the methods currently used in the state to safely handle and dispose of pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, and other potentially dangerous medical waste; alternative methods include methods used in other states; and effects on public health and the environment of the various methods. In conducting this study, the bill would direct the TCEQ to solicit input from: the Health and Human Services Commission; the Department of Public Safety; pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmacies; health care providers; hospitals; clinics; long-term care facilities; medical waste processors and handlers; solid waste management service providers; local governments; ranchers and farmers; end users of medication; water utilities and other water suppliers; U.S. Postal Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and any other entity necessary. The agency would be required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, containing recommendations and an analysis of feasibility of implementing recommended disposal methods on a statewide basis. The TCEQ reports that the cost of the study required by the bill would be $300,000 and would require a third party contractor to provide the needed information. This estimate assumes that the agency could absorb these costs within its existing budget. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies:582 Commission on Environmental Quality LBB Staff: JOB, SZ, ZS, TL, SD
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
May 20, 2009
TO: Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:SB1757 by Watson (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.), As Engrossed
TO: Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: SB1757 by Watson (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.), As Engrossed
Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
SB1757 by Watson (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.), As Engrossed
SB1757 by Watson (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.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would direct the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to perform a study of: the methods currently used in the state to safely handle and dispose of pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, and other potentially dangerous medical waste; alternative methods include methods used in other states; and effects on public health and the environment of the various methods. In conducting this study, the bill would direct the TCEQ to solicit input from: the Health and Human Services Commission; the Department of Public Safety; pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmacies; health care providers; hospitals; clinics; long-term care facilities; medical waste processors and handlers; solid waste management service providers; local governments; ranchers and farmers; end users of medication; water utilities and other water suppliers; U.S. Postal Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and any other entity necessary. The agency would be required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, containing recommendations and an analysis of feasibility of implementing recommended disposal methods on a statewide basis. The TCEQ reports that the cost of the study required by the bill would be $300,000 and would require a third party contractor to provide the needed information. This estimate assumes that the agency could absorb these costs within its existing budget.
The bill would direct the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to perform a study of: the methods currently used in the state to safely handle and dispose of pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, and other potentially dangerous medical waste; alternative methods include methods used in other states; and effects on public health and the environment of the various methods. In conducting this study, the bill would direct the TCEQ to solicit input from: the Health and Human Services Commission; the Department of Public Safety; pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmacies; health care providers; hospitals; clinics; long-term care facilities; medical waste processors and handlers; solid waste management service providers; local governments; ranchers and farmers; end users of medication; water utilities and other water suppliers; U.S. Postal Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and any other entity necessary. The agency would be required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, containing recommendations and an analysis of feasibility of implementing recommended disposal methods on a statewide basis.
The TCEQ reports that the cost of the study required by the bill would be $300,000 and would require a third party contractor to provide the needed information. This estimate assumes that the agency could absorb these costs within its existing budget.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies: 582 Commission on Environmental Quality
582 Commission on Environmental Quality
LBB Staff: JOB, SZ, ZS, TL, SD
JOB, SZ, ZS, TL, SD