Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB238

Caption

Relating to the storage of radioactive waste or elemental mercury for any period exceeding one year; authorizing a fee.

Impact

If enacted, HB238 would alter the financial landscape for industries involved in the storage of hazardous substances by imposing a direct fee based on their storage revenue. This fee mechanism aims to create a financial incentive for responsible waste management and ensure that local governments benefit from the presence of potentially hazardous operations in their jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill seeks to bolster state revenues by requiring a parallel 10 percent fee on disposal operations, thereby enhancing fiscal accountability in waste management practices.

Summary

House Bill 238 addresses the regulations surrounding the storage of radioactive waste and elemental mercury for periods exceeding one year. The bill mandates that any holder of a license or permit for the storage of these substances must remit a fee equating to five percent of their gross receipts to the commissioners court of the host county. This regulation specifically targets storage facilities adjacent to compact waste disposal facilities, thereby localizing the financial implications of hazardous waste management.

Contention

Notably, the bill highlights potential points of contention surrounding the balance of local and state regulatory authority over environmental hazards. Proponents argue that the financial contributions to local governments will empower them to better manage the risks associated with radioactive waste and elemental mercury. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about whether these fees are sufficient to address potential environmental risks, or if they create a disincentive for companies to store hazardous materials, potentially impacting waste disposal practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB4484

Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land and to the use of that space for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4447

Relating to impoundment, storage, and notification fees for vehicles stored at vehicle storage facilities; authorizing fee increases and decreases; requiring the adjustment of authorized fees.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1718

Relating to rural development funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; authorizing fees.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB3109

Relating to provision of notice by a vehicle storage facility through a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles electronic system; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3282

Relating to the manufacture, transportation, storage, and disposal of new and scrap tires; authorizing a fee.

TX SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB4971

Relating to the permitting of battery storage system facilities by the Public Utility Commission of Texas; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.