Texas House Bill HB695

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/6/11
• Introduced: 1/18/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 2/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/28/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of mercury-added thermostats.

Impact

The introduction of HB 695 has significant implications for state laws surrounding hazardous waste management and environmental protection. By mandating a systematic approach to the recycling of mercury-added thermostats, the bill seeks to enhance public health safety and protect the environment from potential contamination. It imposes specific responsibilities on manufacturers, retailers, and contractors involved in the sale and installation of thermostats, ensuring that they adhere to strict guidelines regarding the handling and disposal of these products. This could potentially lead to increased operational costs for manufacturers as they implement compliance measures.

Summary

House Bill 695 aims to establish a comprehensive program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of mercury-added thermostats within Texas. With the increasing awareness of environmental hazards posed by mercury, the bill seeks to address the safe management of these thermostats, which typically contain hazardous materials. The proposed legislation requires manufacturers, individually or collectively, to set up and manage a recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats, thereby promoting responsible disposal practices and minimizing mercury release into the environment.

Contention

Despite its environmental benefits, HB 695 also presents potential points of contention among stakeholders. Manufacturers may express concerns about the financial and logistical burdens associated with establishing and maintaining the required recycling programs. Additionally, retailers and contractors may need to adjust their business practices to accommodate new rules regarding the disposal of mercury-added thermostats. Unlike traditional products, these thermostats necessitate additional educational outreach to consumers and proper waste management protocols, which may pose challenges in implementation and compliance monitoring.