Texas House Bill HB555

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to certain criminal offenses for violations of the law regulating metal recycling entities.

Impact

The legislation's revisions aim to tighten the regulatory environment surrounding metal recycling in Texas. By establishing clearer penalties for violations, the bill intends to deter unlawful practices in the metal recycling industry, contributing to improved oversight and accountability. Additionally, the bill introduces a general penalty for violations of the law or related rules, classifying these violations as Class C misdemeanors, which provides a more uniform and structured approach to enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 555 addresses specific criminal offenses related to the regulation of metal recycling entities in Texas. The bill proposes to modify the penalties that apply to violations of the law regulating these entities. Notably, it establishes that offenses under certain subsections will be classified as Class A misdemeanors, which are punishable by fines not exceeding $10,000. However, repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of such violations will face stricter repercussions, escalating the offense to a state jail felony.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 555 included notable points of contention regarding the adequacy of the penalties and whether they sufficiently addressed the concerns related to metal theft and environmental safety. Some stakeholders argued that imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders was necessary to combat ongoing issues within the recycling industry, while others expressed concerns regarding the implications for smaller recycling entities that may be disproportionately affected by the regulations. The bill's language also includes provisions which may be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to further debate during its implementation.