By: Lucio III, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hegar) H.B. No. 451
(In the Senate - Received from the House March 28, 2011;
April 7, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural
Resources; May 11, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote:
Yeas 10, Nays 0; May 11, 2011, sent to printer.)
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 may 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).
(e) The Texas Department of Transportation shall post a sign
that complies with program requirements at a major highway water
crossing at the time a previously posted sign identifying the
crossing or prohibiting dumping at the crossing is scheduled to be
replaced.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
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