Texas House Bill HB1932

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to regulating faulty on-site sewage disposal systems in the unincorporated areas of a county as a public nuisance; providing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The passage of HB 1932 would represent a significant change in how counties can regulate sewage disposal systems. Specifically, it empowers counties to take necessary and immediate actions to address nuisances caused by faulty systems. This includes the authority to abate nuisances through various means such as demolition or removal of the systems and controlling access to the properties in question. As a result, the bill is anticipated to positively impact environmental health by reducing instances of untreated sewage affecting local ecosystems and public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1932 aims to address issues related to faulty on-site sewage disposal systems specifically in unincorporated areas of counties. The bill establishes these malfunctioning systems as public nuisances, which allows counties to take action against properties that fail to comply with existing health standards regarding sewage management. The intent behind the bill is to protect public health and the environment by providing a regulatory framework for managing such nuisances effectively within rural communities. By categorizing improper sewage systems as public nuisances, the legislation seeks to streamline the abatement process and ensure compliance with health regulations.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on maintaining public health standards, it may raise concerns regarding the regulation's implications for property rights and local governance. Critics may argue that imposing stringent regulations and penalties could affect property owners financially, particularly in rural areas where faulty systems may be prevalent. Additionally, there might be debates regarding the sufficiency of support systems for property owners to comply with the new regulations, which could potentially lead to unintentional criminal penalties for those unable to manage or remedy their sewage disposal issues adequately.