Texas House Bill HB1963

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to contested case hearings conducted on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on matters involving municipal solid waste permits.

Impact

The bill defines specific qualifications for administrative law judges, ensuring they have a background that aligns with the complexities intrinsic to municipal solid waste management. Consequently, this could improve the quality of decisions made in permit hearings, directly influencing how municipalities handle waste management. The changes enacted by this bill will apply to hearings scheduled after its effective date, ensuring a clear transition for ongoing cases and requiring previous laws to remain in effect for those situations.

Summary

House Bill 1963 aims to amend the Government Code concerning contested case hearings conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality related to municipal solid waste permits. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that administrative law judges involved in these hearings possess the necessary experience in solid waste engineering or management. This requirement is set forth to enhance the decision-making process concerning permits that significantly impact environmental practices and policies.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve the standards for adjudicating waste permits, it may face scrutiny regarding the practicality of implementing such requirements. Stakeholders involved in waste management may have differing perspectives on the necessity and the potential bureaucratic implications. Proponents are likely to argue that these changes are essential for protecting environmental quality, while opponents may express concerns about the availability of qualified administrative law judges and the potential delays in the hearing process.