H.B. No. 482 amends the Water Code to enhance the notification process regarding administrative actions taken by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill requires the TCEQ to publish notice of its decisions related to penalties in the Texas Register within ten days of adoption and to 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 to settle an enforcement action, it must allow public comment on the proposed order or agreement, publish notice of this opportunity in the Texas Register at least 30 days prior to the comment period's closure, and notify the relevant state representatives and senators.

The bill aims to improve transparency and public involvement in environmental enforcement actions by ensuring that local legislators are informed and that the public has a chance to comment on proposed settlements. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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