87R5831 JAM-D
 
  By: Reynolds H.B. No. 1289
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to
  local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental
  Quality.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 26.039, Water Code, is amended by adding
  Subsection (b-1) and amending Subsection (e) to read as follows:
         (b-1)  As soon as possible after receiving notice under
  Subsection (b), the commission shall notify appropriate local
  government officials of the discharge or spill. 
         (e)  Except as provided by Subsection (g), if an accidental
  discharge or spill described by Subsection (b) from a wastewater
  treatment or collection facility owned or operated by a local
  government may adversely affect a public or private source of
  drinking water, the individual shall also notify [appropriate local
  government officials and] local media.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.