Texas House Bill HB1490

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the amount and disposition of fees collected for municipal solid waste disposal.

Impact

The bill is likely to transform the financial framework for solid waste management in Texas by establishing a more dynamic fee system. This could have a significant influence on local governments and entities that manage solid waste services, as they will need to adjust to potential changes in fee structures that directly relate to the state account balances. This legislation aims to ensure that adequate financing is available for essential waste management programs while promoting fiscal responsibility through the adjustment of fees based on actual fund performance.

Summary

House Bill 1490 focuses on the regulation of municipal solid waste disposal fees in Texas. Specifically, it introduces provisions to manage the amount and allocation of fees collected by the state for waste disposal services. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to implement a system where fee rates can be reduced or increased based on the balance of funds in the municipal solid waste disposal account. If the account's balance reaches or exceeds $30 million, the fees can be cut by 50%. Conversely, if the balance falls below $20 million, fees may be reinstated to previous rates, ensuring a responsive approach to solid waste financial management.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns regarding local control over waste management services as the state adjusts fees based on broader financial criteria. Critics may argue that this could lead to unpredictability and challenges for local authorities in budgeting and resource planning. Moreover, if local governments become heavily reliant on state decisions regarding disposal fees, this could diminish their ability to tailor waste management solutions to community-specific needs and circumstances.