Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1179

Filed

2/7/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the regulation of certain facilities that store and distribute benzene or another volatile organic compound; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The legislation seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code by adding new sections that establish stringent compliance measures for chemical distribution facilities. It includes routine visual and annual inspections to ensure the operation of these facilities without detectable emissions. Furthermore, quarterly compliance audits will be conducted to check adherence to the established regulations. This rigorous oversight is expected to significantly reduce the potential health risks associated with the emissions of harmful substances such as benzene in surrounding communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1179 is introduced to strengthen the regulation of facilities that store and distribute benzene or other volatile organic compounds. The bill mandates the installation of advanced emission control devices and continuous air quality monitoring stations in communities close to these facilities. The real-time data from these monitoring stations will be provided to the relevant commissions and made publicly available on their websites, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in emission control.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intent of protecting public health and the environment, it may lead to discussions around the balance of regulatory burdens on businesses in the chemical distribution sector. Supporters argue that such regulations are necessary to safeguard communities from hazardous emissions, while opponents may express concerns about the implications for operational costs and compliance challenges that could arise from these new requirements. Additionally, the establishment of a Community Environmental Remediation Fund to assist municipalities in addressing environmental issues may also become a focal point in legislative discussions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

Chapter 382. Clean Air Act
- Section: 017
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB2824

Identical Relating to the regulation of certain facilities that store and distribute benzene or another volatile organic compound; creating a criminal offense.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4439

Relating to the production, sale, distribution, delivery, and regulation of consumable hemp products; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3620

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.

TX HB1341

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2385

Relating to regulation of certain emissions from ethylene oxide sterilization facilities.

TX SB209

Relating to regulating the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.