84R237 JAM-D
By: Guillen H.B. No. 1501
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study concerning the presence and effects of plastic
microbeads in water in the 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 26.0134 to read as follows:
Sec. 26.0134. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF PLASTIC MICROBEADS IN
WATER. (a) In this section, "plastic microbead" means a
nonbiodegradable solid plastic particle measuring five millimeters
or less in size that is intentionally added to a cosmetic or
personal care product.
(b) The commission shall conduct a study to determine:
(1) the extent of the presence of plastic microbeads
in water in the state; and
(2) whether the presence of plastic microbeads in
water in the state causes pollution of that water.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2016, the commission shall
provide to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the
legislature a report containing:
(1) the results of the study conducted under this
section; and
(2) if the commission determines that the presence of
plastic microbeads in water in the state causes pollution of that
water, recommendations for reducing or eliminating the pollution,
including consideration of the regulation or ban of plastic
microbeads in cosmetics and other personal care products.
(d) This section expires September 1, 2017.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.