Bill

HB 2533

85(R) - 2017
House Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
House Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Civil Remedies
Environment
Water

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charlie Geren

Sponsor(s)

Craig Estes

Bill Caption

Relating to civil suits brought by local governments or certain other persons for violations of certain laws under the jurisdiction of, or rules adopted or orders or permits issued by, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Fiscal Notes

A positive impact of $362,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, certain affected individuals and governmental entities are authorized to bring civil suit for a violation of a statute, rule, order, or permit by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. HB 2533 would update and clarify the procedures for and circumstances under which such a suit may be brought.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill supports the principle of limited government by clarifying the procedure for bringing suit involving alleged violations of TCEQ rules, regulations, permits, or related statutes and making provision for notice to the commission and the attorney general. Because this would improve clarity, accountability, and transparency, and reduce frivolous lawsuits we support HB 2533.

Organizations Supporting

Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas
AT&T Texas
BP
Chesapeake Energy
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Dow Chemical Company
Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texas Chemical Council
Texas Oil and Gas Association
Texas Pipeline Association
Valero

Organizations Opposed

City of Corpus Christi
Environmental Defense Fund
Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club
Texas Conference of Urban Counties