By: Thompson of Brazoria H.B. No. 2763
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study of economically recyclable materials, economic
impacts to the state and local governments of existing and
increased recycling, the development of new markets for recycled
materials and any infrastructure needs, and the potential to
increase state revenues.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In the Act:
(1) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality.
(2) "Recycling" has the meaning assigned by Section
361.421, Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE; STUDY. (a) The commission
shall convene an advisory committee established under Chapter 361,
Health and Safety Code.
(b) The commission through the advisory committee shall
conduct a study quantifying the amount of materials currently being
recycled, economic impacts including lost state and local revenues
from the materials that are not being recycled, and to identify ways
to develop new markets to increase recycling. The study must:
(1) assess current recycling efforts and identify ways
in which the private and public sectors can improve and increase
those efforts;
(2) Identify new markets and business that may be
available from existing and increased recycling of materials;
(3) investigate available and new funding for efforts
that are identified;
(4) assess current associated jobs and additional job
creation opportunities with existing and increased recycling; and
(5) assess rural infrastructure needs and development
opportunities.
(c) The advisory committee shall prepare a written report on
the results of the study, and submit the report to the commission
for inclusion into the Municipal Solid Waste Annual Summary Report.
SECTION 5. EXPIRATION. This Act expires August 31, 2017.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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.