Texas Senate Bill SB1731

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the repeal of laws governing certain state entities, including the functions of those entities, and to certain duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on the abolishment of certain of those entities.

Impact

The impact of SB1731 is primarily seen in the alteration of state administrative structure. By abolishing several advisory committees, including the Agriculture and Wildlife Research and Management Advisory Committee and the Board of Economic Development Stakeholders, the bill seeks to reduce unnecessary governmental overhead. This may lead to more direct and simplified interactions between state agencies and citizens, but also raises concerns about the loss of oversight and specialization that these entities provided, particularly concerning environmental management and agricultural policies.

Summary

SB1731 is a significant legislative bill in Texas focusing on the repeal of laws governing multiple state entities, particularly addressing the duties and responsibilities of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and other related advisory committees. The bill aims to streamline regulatory frameworks by dissolving certain inactive or redundant committees and consolidating their functions under existing agencies, which proponents argue will enhance the efficiency of state governance and regulatory processes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB1731 is mixed. Supporters view the bill as a positive step towards streamlining government functions and improving the responsiveness of state agencies. They argue that abolishing underperforming committees allows for better allocation of resources and attention on pressing environmental issues. Conversely, opponents are wary that the bill could diminish public input and oversight, particularly in areas that require specialized knowledge and advocacy to address unique state challenges related to environmental quality and agricultural sustainability.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise regarding the potential implications for environmental policy and management in Texas. Critics argue that the removal of advisory groups dedicated to environmental and agricultural concerns might lead to less informed decision-making and underrepresentation of public interests in policy formulation. Additionally, the bill's approach to consolidating powers within TCEQ without the input from abolished boards sparks debate on the balance of efficiency versus the need for diverse perspectives in addressing complex state issues.