H.B. No. 482 amends the Water Code to enhance transparency and communication regarding administrative actions taken by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill mandates that when the TCEQ is required to give notice of a penalty, it must not only publish the decision in the Texas Register within ten days but also notify the state representative and state senator representing the area where the violation occurred. Additionally, before the commission approves an administrative order or proposed agreement related to enforcement actions, it is required to allow public comment, publish notice of this opportunity in the Texas Register at least 30 days prior to the comment period's closure, and similarly notify the relevant state legislators.

The bill aims to ensure that local representatives are informed of significant environmental enforcement actions that may affect their constituents, thereby promoting accountability and public engagement in environmental governance. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 7.060, Water Code 7.075 (Water Code 7)