Bill Text: TX HB162 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-02 - Effective on 9/1/23 [HB162 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB162-Engrossed.html

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88R651 SCL-D
By: Murr, Kitzman H.B. No. 162

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 153.047. PRESCRIBED BURNING STANDARDS. Minimum
standards established by the board for prescribed burning must:
(1) ensure that prescribed burning is the controlled
application of fire to naturally occurring or naturalized
vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions in
accordance with a written prescription plan:
(A) designed to confine the fire to a
predetermined area and to accomplish planned land management
objectives; and
(B) that conforms to the standards established
under this section;
(2) if the prescription plan lists a certified and
insured prescribed burn manager as the burn boss, require that the
burn boss be [at least one certified and insured prescribed burn
manager is] present on site during the conduct of the prescribed
burn;
(3) establish appropriate guidelines for size of
burning crews sufficient to:
(A) conduct the burn in accordance with the
prescription plan; and
(B) provide adequate protection for the safety of
persons and of adjacent property;
(4) include standards for notification to adjacent
land owners, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and
local fire authorities; and
(5) include minimum insurance requirements for
certified and insured prescribed burn managers.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.