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 proposed legislation would amend the Texas Water Code by introducing a new section dedicated to the 'Don't Mess with Texas Water' initiative, thereby formalizing the state's commitment to protect its water resources. The law would instigate cooperative efforts between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and local governments, allowing municipalities to participate actively in the program and potentially share in the operational costs of the hotline. This partnership could enhance local capabilities to address illegal dumping and promote greater accountability and partnership in water protection strategies.
Summary
House Bill 451 seeks to establish a proactive initiative named the 'Don't Mess with Texas Water' program aimed at combating illegal dumping that adversely affects the surface waters of Texas. The program's implementation will involve the placement of informative signs at major water crossings along highways, which will notify drivers of a toll-free number to report illegal dumping activities. This strategy is intended to foster public engagement in environmental protection efforts and bolster community vigilance against pollution.
Contention
While the bill primarily outlines a clear plan for public engagement in combating water pollution, potential areas of contention could arise regarding the funding and resource allocation for both the hotline operations and the educational campaigns associated with the signage placement. Some stakeholders may question the financial burden on local governments and the effectiveness of the program in actually reducing illegal dumping. Additionally, the operational logistics for coordinating between local entities and state agencies could present challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the program's success.
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 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 ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
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 the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.